The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-12-10
MERCHANTS REPORT
/ FAIRLY GOOD WEEK
|Early Shopping Movement
However, Has Proved
Disappointing.
BUYERS HOLDING BACK
'Gratifying Trade in Regular
Stock Reported by the
Dealers.
BUYERS HOLDING BACK

Il The expectations Of merchants of the
tity for splendid "carly shopping
husiuess during the past week were
somewhst disappointed, although a
gratifying trade in Irregular" stock
has been reported, In all staple goods
and ssouable wares, the business Of
'fbe week was above the average, nc.
cording TO the reports in general. How
aver. most dealers and firms directed
their greatest energy toward securing
an "carly shopping movement. IL
was thought that the record of past
wears. which has always existed in the
form Of ono week 5 lull in Christmas
tradc during the first week in Dcccm-
her, would be materially changed this
wear. but this anticipation was appar
'rntlv unfoundcd.
Among the larger firms Christmas
frsding has been fairly good. but those
forks classified as Christmas goods -
have not sold 10 as good market as
had been hoped for. Throughout the
10 the "early shoppipgf campai gn q,
|realzinC that the benefits thcrefrom
WOULD be shared by themselves aud
|>ustomers alike. Still. the lulI in Christ
mas trading during the first week in
December has always been followed by
4 rush that has often verged upon con
1estion and exceptional activity is
boxed for during the interim between
now and Christmas. So that while dis.
appointment is felt over the "early
<boppng' trade, it by no means
|propbesies that the holiday business
vii fall snort Of expectations in the
aggregate volume. In fact. merchants
ave every reason 10 believe that this
fear business will excel the record of
he previous year by good margin.
IA. Goods OH Display.
XAll holiday goods and wares have
|uow been placed on display and ar
Hngcd advantaGeouslY in the different
<tores 10 attract customers and make
|possiblc the transaction of a great vol
'amc of business with dispatch As a
General rule, reductions in prices were
11sde and advertised TO stimulate trade
Nd view of the temporary lull. With a
0pmber Of the leading firms this re-
Eulted in brief but heavy trade
. The market is reported 10 have been
zocd in men S furnishings, hardware,
Iewelrv. books and stationery and mail
ing matter. The Improvement in the
urniture business during the preced
ng week is said 10 have been main
'aincd. and liquor dealers are gratified
Yer their market, Grocery and drug
(Dres evidently shared on smaller
pesis with the department. stores 10 the
disappointment Of early shopping, Col
cetiops continue good. and tho basis
cash sales is much larger than that
" charge accounts
Merchants are as enthusiastic as ever
|Qfcr early shopping, and Will CON
mac TO support the campaign in the
1fcrest Of uvcrwcrkcd, exhausted sales
tifls and deIivcrymen.
Urged TO Buy Early.
lt is urged that ihc season Of Christ.
pas bnying should he made as early as
ossible. both in hour and datc. This
Has much for tho benefit Of customers
nd merchants alike az for employees.
t5rly in the forenoon the air in tho
>forcs is froshcr. the clerks arc rested
NC in better spirits and the crowds
|1se not assembled. Early in the sea
<on the great variety of novelties and
:hrIstmss offerings have not been
[hIoned out. thus ma King it possible
Tor customers 10 make satisfactory Sc
|fciion Of the articles they want Early
shopplng also means tnat parcels seut
u FAR off points will he much more
nkely TO reach their destinations in
pod season and safety,