The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-12-16

Intelligencer reporters yesterday in
terylewed a number OF the retail mer-
chants as to the condition OF this years
holiday trade, compared with that of
the past few years, Nearly all stated
that their business this year exceeded
last years, while several stated that
the month of December would be the
biggest in the history of their business,
The only handicap to the holiday trade
has been the bad weather since satur-
day, but all things considered, the gen.
eral verdict was that the fall season has
been a more prosperous one than for
some years back.
The expressions Of opinion from men
In different lines OF trade follow, and
need no comment:
NJ. Somehow, "The Hub" clothiers
and furnishers-We're doing much
larger holiday trade this year than In
'86 or the previous years. The weather
has been against us the past few days,
but the Indications are splendid for Al
rush when favorable weather sets in.
NJ. j. MoFadden, mems furnishings
The holiday trade suits us, but let the
weather man ease up little, and wen
be happier.
Kraus Brothers, clothing and mems
furnlsnlngs-Trade IN general has been
thlrty-three and One-third per cent.
better in November of this year than
last year The holiday trade has not
yet set in. but We look forward to next
week with confidence.
Hess & Sons. tallors and mems fur
rlshers-So far the fall trade has been
much better than '96, and we look TO a
still increased trade. We have got In
more goods than last year, and Will sell
more with colder weather
NJ Gutman & Co.. Clothlers and fur
nlshers-The general trade this fall has
been good, and the holiday trade is
splendid.
D. Gundlng & Co, clothlers and
mems furnishings--It has been a good
fall with US. Holiday trade is brisk,
but is certain to be brlsker with better
weather,
Stone & Thomas, dry goods-We have
forty more clerks than last fall, ana 100
employees in all now, We have more
than we can do during the holidays
with good weather The holiday trade
started In earlier this year than ever
before Business is good, indeed.
Shook X Co., dry goods-Ou- eNpec-
tatIons of u good holiday trade have
been more than fulfilled. We put in a
bigger stock, the holiday trade began
two weeks earlier. and we find people
have the money and are ready to buy.
We expect the rush to continue through
January,
Mir. Geo. L. stirel, of the dry goods
firm of Geo. n. Stlfel & Co., didn't care
to talk for publication. He felt dell
cate about speaking OF the firms In
creased business, but admitted that
more room was taken up with goods.
more goods were sold, and more EN-
rloyes were employed. A glance at the
crowd OF shoppers was sufficient trade
barometer.
j. $. Rhodes & Co., dry goods-Busl-
ness has been good all fall, and the hol-
lday trade is ahead OF last year.
Geo, X, Taylor Co., dry gOods-Our
fall and holiday trade keeps us busy ali
the time We are more than satisfied,
Alexander. shoes-1he holiday trade
is the best we have ever experienced.
In fact. the same is true Of this fall
j. H. Locke & Co., shoes-With good
weather for shoppers for the remaining
days our fall and holiday trade Will
beat last years.
Jacob w. Grubb jewelry-An in
creased holiday trade over '96 and for
some years.
Dillon, Wheat & Hancher jewelry-
We are doing more business now than
we have ever done.
Shelf Bros, jewelers-Our holiday
trade Is double that OF last years.
c. A. House, music house--We're CO.
ing n much larger trade during the hol-
idays than for the same period last
year, and since 49,.
MlIllgap, Williiu & Co., music house
Indications point to December being
the best month In our history. The hol-
lday trade started earlier than 1t did
last December
T. W. Banner Co., music house-Bus'
mess Is very good, The Indictment
weather has kept back some orders for
pianos. or that we are certain. and we
viii place them in q few days. There
has been more inquiry for goods this
fall than ever,
Frank Stanton books and STATIONERY
Trade Is about the same as last year
but we anticipate a bigger trade in the
coming two weeks
earle Bros. books and stationery
Not much difference over last years
The holiday trade will be better OF
course, with better weather.