The Wasp — 1893 — page 59: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This six-panel satirical comic mocks deceptive retail practices at clothing stores. The narrative follows a customer ("Just from Petaluma") who enters a shop displaying a "Great Drag 'Em In and Shovel 'Em Out" sale sign—exposing the aggressive marketing tactic. The satire escalates through escalating chaos: employees literally dragging merchandise and customers, a fraudulent "overcoat from 50 up" sign, wall-papering the display, and ultimately a police raid on the store. The final panel's title—"Police! Police!"—suggests these sales practices were viewed as criminal deception. The comic criticizes clothing retailers for using sensational advertising and high-pressure tactics to exploit customers, treating them as victims of organized fraud rather than informed shoppers.