Perth Amboy evening news., 1904-07-14
BLUE FRONT.

Gerry stores IN the state is the chall
of five stores owned by ]. II. and +
Hilsdorf, whose main and origina
store is in this city. The other store:
are situated at Red Bank, Wood
bridge, Maurer and Tottenville.
The business was established five
years ago, the first store being at 3I1
State Street. The exterior of the
store was painted blue and from thi.
grew the term "Blue 'front.'" a name
retained to this day, even though
their other and present stores have
been, and are, without exteriors oil
that color.
After remaining at their original
store for some time the Hilsdorfs
removed to the store at 13a Smith
Street, in the Hess block.
Although the place was much
larger and made necessary consider
ably greater running expenses the in.
creased patronage soon proved the
wisdom of the change. Their trade
grew from every quarter and with the
increase in business necessarily came
an increase in their store and delivery
facilities.
Soon the public found what hercto-
fore had been an almost minus guam
tity in the grocery business in this
city. This was a combination of
the best goods and the lowest prices,
an irresistible magnet for the house
wife's purse.
Nor was their business, even at
this early stage, confined to this city
exclusively.
In Woodbridge they branchcd out,
and a Blue Front store was soon at
tracing attention among the residents
of that place. Mr.. Ernest Hilsdorf
took charge of that store and a large
circle of customers was soon formed.
This store is now valuable adjunct
to the main system.
The Tottenville and MauIer stores
were added to the others, upon the
proprietor coming to the decision that
the trade at those places warranted
their invasion of the territory. Their
large store at Maurer is situated on a
prominent corner, on the line of the
trolleys. Its customers include near
ly the entire population of that thriv-
ing suburb, and the store is managed
on a basis no less liberal than any of
the others.
The Tottenville branch soon as
sumed a commanding position among
the stores of that place, and it grew
in every direction until new quarters
were rendered necessary, The new
store was opened during the early
part Of this month. 1t is a handsome
establishment in every detail; and its
shelves contain a splendid array of
goods of peerless quality at almost
unavoidable prices.
The Red Bank store stands at the
head of the trade in that place, and
has a large working force. 1t is un-
der the capable management Of John
II. Hilsdorf, the senior member of
The firm, who, shortly after building a
handsome residence on Rector street,
this city, rented it, upon the opening
Of the store in Red Bank, where he
now resides.
The firm does not, at present, con-
template the opening of any new
stores, as they feel, and d~eservedly,
that they have the terrltority in this
vicinity well covered, as far as the
retail grocery trade is concerned.
1t is in the local store that their
ability and progressivencss are shown
to the best advantage, however, and
their success and increasing number.
Of loyal customers amply attest this
fact, There is no question as to the.
value or desirable qualities embodied
in their groceries. When you buy in.
any Of their stores you can rely on.
your purchases and feel we'll assured.
of their. excellence and economy, 1t
means much to a housewife or other
provisioner to know that what is
bought at the Blue Front store is de-
pcndable. The Hillsdorfs arc close
adhcrents of the high quality and low
price policy, and this fact they are
continually advertising.
Unlike many unreliable firms, how
ever, they back up their statements
with their offerings. They are liberal
advertisers, and this has been a
prominent factor in the attainment
Of their present position. They are,
in addition, converts to the trading
stamp system.
The trade in their five stores de-
veloped a remarkable rate of growth
and their facilities had to be ncces
sarily enlarged to cater to their Gus
toners.