Richmond daily palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1905-1906, 1906-03-02
STYLES ARE TO Be VARIED &

Local retail dealers in shoes hava
practically wound up their spring
buying, and viii be oeenpied in TAX
ing account Of their summer stock
until che 6rst Of April, when, travel
ing snlezmen viii SO odt with fall
samples, in accordance with the Gus
tom Of showing goods six months in
advance Of the opening Of the retail
season. .....
Spring buying this year was good,
better than it was last year; this,
too, in spite Of an advance Of Is to
25 per cent. in jobbsrs' prices. With
in the last year there has been an in
crease in prices Of all feathers, the
amount Of increase corresponding, in
q way, to the weight Of the stock.
The advance in sole leather, for ex-
ample, is comparatively much greater
than the advance in the lighter leath-
ers.
The increase in price of stock has
naturally, been accompanied by an
increase in the finished product. In
the lighter grades Of women's shoes
and oxfords, the increase has been
small-only 5 or 6 per cent. In men s
heaviest shoes, in which the soles are
thickest, the advance has been as
much as 80 pc cent. Dealers estp
mate the average advance to be Is
or 20 per cent. Retail prices are af-
fected by the increase, and shoes that
were sold last year for $3.50 a pair,
now bring $500 and 1925.
Wholesale leather prices have de-
clined slightly within the last four
weeks, but this decline has not yet
been noted in the retail shoe trade.
BY the time the fall stock is placed
on the market the effect Of this de-
cline may be s6e".
The open wiz Eor has made it's mark
in the shoe trade, as in most other
lines of business. The sale of
storm leather boots, rubber boots and
overshoes has been light. Extreme
ly heavy shoes have been uncom-
Portable during large part Of the
winter, consequently sales have been
largely confined to lightweight stock.
This condition has made necessary
the advance placing Of large quaint
ties Of spring shoes and has left deal
ers with many more winter shoes
on hand than they ordinarily have at
this time Of the year.
Dealers say that tans will not be in
such favor this year as had been
predicted. In mems and boys
shoes, chocolates will be shown, but
the lighter shades will not be seen.
This elimination of the tan shoe has
caused some surprise, in view Of the
fact that dealers were free, six to
eight months ago, in saying that they
expected tans to make a large part
Of their spring and summer trade.
Many canvas shoes and oxfords
will be worn by women this summer.
Last year canvas shoes were made in
comparatively few shades. In re-
spouse to the increased demand, they
are to be had this season to match al
most any color that women will use
in their gowns. In this part Of the
country, where soft coal is extensive
~ used canvas footwear does not
last long, as the coal dust soon takes
effect. Nevertheless, dealers have
made. preparation to supply a large
demand for both shoes and oxfords
in all shades Of oxfords.
Outside Of ordinary stock patent
leather will continue to be used. Az
at present manufactures this stock
lasts as long as other material enter.
ing into the shoe. Combined with
the dressy effect it produces this is
making patent leather more ond more
popular. 1t is freely used tbs year
in both mems and women's shoes
Ordinary stock is used in making
practically all other shoes. and
there is a noticeable absence of
"freaks. The public is demand
ing sensible shoes and dealers are
complying with the demand this sea
son more than ever before.