The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-19
MYSTERY THAT'S
 AN OPEN SECRET
EVERYDAY PRINCIPLES ACCOUNT
 FOR A GREAT SUCCESS.

An interesting story of modern achieve ment is brought to light by the tenth anniversary of the foundation of the Kress system of "5 and 10 cent stores. Ten years ago the 18th of this April, one small store was opened in Memphis Tenn. Today the business involves millions. and consists of fifty active stores in as many southern cities.
 The rapid and tremendous development of this concern is regarded with wonder even by business men accustomed to the unusual success of this age. The con cern itself feels a justihable pride in its progress, and will celebrate accordingly with an anniversary sale lasting ten days, April 11-21.
 To the outsider, the success of this giant system of "5 and 10 cent stores has been more or less a mystery. Com petitors have even gone so far as to in- duce its employees. to enter their service, in hopes of discovering the secret of this wonderful forward stride But all in vain, for after all the secret is an open one, and represented by one word, Merit"
 Whether making deal involving a vast purchase or deciding on the conduct of a sale, this word has always been before the kress people. They knew too well that a gigantic and permanent sys- D4 stantly serving the people honorably.
 This business has been built up by ad- herring to i've principles which any per son will do well to note and digest.
 First Before entering a new town Q thorough study was made of all local con- ditions. What does this community need? How can we supply its wants at the smallest possible outlay on its part? Those were the inevitable problems. That .I. -nls aa te farpx, al ft, each case by the business later built up. Each store was located with view to the convenience or the greatest number, regardless of precedent and real estate conditions.
 once having learned the needs of any particular town or city, the next step was towards service, give the town or city the best service possible. This mot to has demanded that the concern correct these faults which arc disastrous both to the company itself and the comfort of the customer. The executive have been freed of details so that their energy could go to a care of the wants and needs of the people. Stores were kept clean, neat, light and inviting. All stock was ar ranged with view to convenience. Clerks were watched and taught to serve with the highest possible efficiency, so that crowds could be handled with dispatch ana cOufIeSy.s oiiy Il lHdotciSs oi SuSh problems has made the present success possible.
 An efficient service once inaugurated. REGULARITY was next sought for. The company knew that the quality of goods must always be the same, and that the manner of their disposal demanded uni form courtesy on the part of the em- ployes.
 Through these efforts to attain perfec- tion, a STANDARD was permanently es- tablished. The manufacturer who failed to toe the Kreps Quality mark was given no second chance to supply goods. how ever great financial Inducements he might offer Employees who fell short of the Kress standard of efficiency were dis missed, while those who made good were rewarded by advancement All this striv- ing to attain efficiency meant actual re- suits which the people were quick to- ob- serve and reward. M
 Lastly. RESPONSIBILITY was attained. The people found that the Kress concern could be relied upon at all times. The same fair treatment was guaranteed and given to all The goods were what was claimed in every respect. Kress honesty soon became an. established fact in every community where there was Kress store.
 Such Is the simple explanation of a Alccess that has been a mystery to many.
 'hatever the principles involved they are
 l centered in one word. Merit The men whose energies have built up the Kress system feel justly proud and have spared no expense and time to make the anniversary, and Easter Sale the greatest in the history of the concern.