The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1873-10-18
ST. LOUIS DRY GOODS TRADE.

Il r.
goods of all classes, from every section OF
the country, has worked revolution in the
/ dry goods trade, both as regards the ARTICLES
| handled, and the facilities for the local and
outside demand imperatively required, and
to large degree, now being provided.
Thus, in place of few staple articles COM
prising the great bulk of a wholesale dealer,
the model establishment now carries in adj
dition to immense stocks of these, full lines
of an infinite variety of specialties, drawn
| from the Eastern manufactures, and largely
from the foreign factories direct. The I'M
portance of this item has been dwelt upon
at length, in former articles, and the value
to dealer and purchaser is too apparent TO
need further comment.
Amongst the advantages inuring to the
trade and resultant from its steady growth,
has followed the necessity for larger and
more suitable buildings in which to store
/ and exhibit the goods. Amongst the most
salient of the arguments for concentration
of trade in more fitting quarters, may be
adduced the facts, that number OF the
most prominent of our merchants have
erected buildings of imposing size and IN
exampled convenience on Fifth street, and
the experience of such houses as Messrs.
Dodd. Brown & Co., show great increase
in the satisfactory conduct of business since
the removal. Other merchants Would lol-
low the wise example if they could obtain
the buildings, and indications are good for
the erection of such within the next SIX
months. In the cases of those who have re-
i moved from the close dark confines of Main
! street. the increase in trade has proven the
fact that purchasers will give the preference
10 those establishments which furnish the
hest air and the best light to inspect the
best goods of all grades, audit is self-eyident
that valuable results in economy OF time,
/ and the provision of close communication,
must follow the concentration of the BUSH
ness of this important trade, to allow the ut
most freedom of comparison OF stocks,
while obviating the necessity OF learning
| the town, as is now necessitated. The dry
goods trade is in extremely fine shape now,
with tremendous supplies of all the goods
that can be desired, and alittle attention to
the above points may prove of value to many
dealers, as well as to purchasers who re-
| member the claims of st. Louis as liberal
market in which their desires are most judi
ciously and adequately provided for.
The dry goods trade, as compared with
| last season, exhibits a decided improves
ment. both in the nature and the magnitude,
Of the demand With greater confidence
in the state of the money market, OCCASION
ed by bcuntiful crops, in good condition,
the feeling Is more healthy, and purchasers
are having in stocks without the feeling of
apprehension prevalent last fall. The in
crease over last year, if present signs do not
fail, will exceed 80 per cent. Our merchants
are buying larger and better stocks, on more
re asonable terms, and although prices are
shade frmer, they are more favorable to
BUYERS. Cottons and woolens are stronger,
and will probably so continue.
Many new classes of goods are being in
troduced, corresponding to the new devel-
opments East, and the new sources of de-
mand. Chicago, for many years, has been
favored with the trade of the North
west. II is now coming to us. Iowa es-
pecially, with the completion of railway
facilities to the interior, is sending in Or
ders thick and fast, and trade in that State is
extending most rapidly, and will be aug
mented in direct ratio with the enterprise
and aid extended by our people, to make
the imperfect chain of communication COM
plete by the addition of a few links which
are now missing.
A heavy volume of trade is flowing in
upon usnow also from Arkansas and Texas,
the direct result of the facile communication
via the M, K. & T., and the Cairo and Fulton
Railroads. The merchants of those sections
express themselves heartily pleased with
the prices and qualities of goods afforded by
the St. Louis market, in comparison with
their former sources of non-competitive sup
ply. Other sections are represented in the
| demand, and the stocks are provided with
lavishness and variety not exceeded by any
market in the Union.
AS an evidence of this we desire to speak
of the immense and costly supplies now in
stock in our largest institutions, notably that
| now being disposed of very rapidly by
| Messrs. Dodd, Brown & Co. This firm needs
no introduetion-its energetic enterprise
and liberal dealings having placed it amongst
the most extensively known and popular of
any house in any line of trade in the West.
This firm now is selling a stock of fannels
|
these indispensable goods. 1t is claimed to
be the very best and the largest stock of such
| articles ever brought to this market, and
constitutes speciality involving an outlay
of half million of dollars in the one line of
staple goods. The entire basement, at this
season of the year, is devoted to the hand
! ling of flannels and blankets, besides addi-
| tional room provided for this special exigen-
cy. They are selling lower than last season
| so much lower IN fact. that buyers are
taking them freely, and the whole line will
| be closed out in the next three months, from
present indications.
/ The first floor of the mammoth building
| is occupied with domestics and dress goods,
| the stock of which is most complete in va
riety and the fine quality of goods. This
| department has been provided for with ex-
ceedingly judicious forethought, and the
! lines are fuller than ever were known in the
| history of the trade, in anticipations of a
| demand, that have not been overestimated,
| from many new, and all the old sections, now
seeking this city for fall supplies.
A more elegant stock and finer display
| cannot be seen anywhere. not even eXcept-