The Indianapolis journal., 1904-04-24
LOCAL WHOLESALE TRADE
WARMER WEATHER BRIGHTENS
THE JOBBERs' PROSPECTS.
Sales of Light Cotton Goods Have In
creased the Past Week-Boots and
shoes Active on Future Delivery.

Wholesalers and jobbers were all talking
optimistically yesterday. All local whole
sale trade has needed for weeks to make
II active is warmer weather. Now, it
seems, the weather has got warm 20 stay,
and much more activity in all the lines nor
mally in good demand at this season is pre-
dicted. The past week all lines have held
their own in good shape, and a few have
moved in an increased volume. In review
OF the weeks trade the local trade journal
says:
In dry goods the general trade is holding
up fair. An increase in sales has been the
rule for the week in light cotton goods.
Strictly summer fabrics have, as Is 10 be
expected, suffered considerably on account
or the hanging on of the cold weather,
though retailers themselves feel confident
what may be called rush trade in these
80 soon as warmer days arrive, which time
cannot be much longer delayed Future
delivery goods are selling so Literally tnat
the road men haven't time to get discour-
aged over this unreasonable weather LOT
summer lines.
The spot cotton market is a few points
below the average for the last two months.
Local dealers do not look for any considera-
bic change in prices tor the staple lines un,
til the new crop is assured. and that Will
be after the usual business for this season
has been closed. The mills making
fairly prompt Shipments on current orders,
Out some OF the New England HILLS are
running only half time. and nearly all the
Southern mills are running three-fourths
time.
Drugs. confectionery, harness and sad
dlery and timers supply trade is also
good for the season." and the house men
report that with them, as with other lines.
the weather conditions alone all the only
obstacles between them and lively trade.
The boot and shoe people. too, are do
Ing finely on future deliveries. as well as
conditions allow on immediate wants.
hslT ha
shines orders flock" in, whether the ther-
mometer shows 80 or 60. All lines of wire,
wire cloth, screening anti fencing are sell
ing heavily. Builders materials also are
In liberal demand for the kind of weather
now on tap. Prices are all firm, with a
few minor advances that go to indicate
mand set in.
The hat and cap jobbers report increas-
ing sales daily. and unexpectedly large
orders for next fall and winter lines.
Groceries continue TO be the top of the
heap" in trade circles. The unreasonable
weather helps one class OF the grocery
business. Dried fruits and vegetables,
peaches. apricots and prunes are in heavy
demand. with slightly higher askings on
some grades; peaches and cots particu-
larly.
lead, then tomatoes, peas and beans. Rice
is unchanged in prices, but scores heavier
sales as the end OF the present supplies
come In view.
Smoked and cured meats are yet in very
good demand.
One or two grades ef breakfast foods
good sellers. Staples, like oat meals
and wheat preparations, also sell freely.
Syrups are in moderate demand
Coffee output is large and steady. Nc
change in sugar quotes.
The big biz in tobacco is on. The indepen-
dents are improving the opportunity Of
fered them in this commendable stiffenine
OF the wholesalers backbone. whereby he
has bravely informed the tobacco combine
that he Is going to sell any make of to-
bacco that there is money in for him
profits to the retailer and satisfaction to
the IMAM who chaws."
Collections are fairly good.