The provisions of this act shall not apply to sales at retail or sales at wholesale (a) where merchandise is sold in bona fide clearance sales, if advertised, marked and sold as such; (b) where perishable merchandise must be sold promptly in order to forestall loss; (c) where merchandise is imperfect or damaged or is being discontinued and is advertised, marked and sold as such; (d) where merchandise is sold upon the final liquidation of any business; (e) where merchandise is sold for charitable purposes or to relief agencies; (f) where merchandise is sold on contract to departments of the government or governmental institutions; (g) when the price of merchandise is made in good faith to meet competition; (h) where merchandise is sold by any officer acting under the order or direction of any court; (i) where tools, equipment and materials used by employes in their trade or business or appliances and products which are used therein and are or may be beneficial to the safety, health and working conditions of such employes are sold to employes of the seller.