The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-11-12
DECLARE PESS|M|sTS
ARE Off RECKONING
Salt Lake Merchants Report
Satisfactory Business in All
Lines of Trade.
PREPARE FOR HOLIDAYS
Toys and Christmas Gift
Goods Will Soon Be
on Display.
PREPARE FOR HOLIDAYS

Although there seems 10 be some
differences among merchants of the
city as 10 business conditions during
The past week, the genral tone is re-
ported as having been very satlsfac-
tory. Particularly among the depart
mcnt stores aud larger business houses
was the market quite up TO tho stan
dard with a promising outlook. The
smaller firms retain something Of
pessimistic attitude, for the most part.
In speaking Of the local situation
one prominent merchant declared that
pcssimism and discourag ging reports
we're unfounded in this city, which, he
said. of all cities in the west, had oc..
casion to rejoice over the business OF
the year. Continuing. he said:
During the year there have been
scores Of failures of big concerns in the
larger cities of the west. The summer
season was hard one for nearly every
concern. But when we compare the
failures in Salt Lake with the failures
recorded in other large cities, we can
not possibly complain. When n merchant
here is casually asked, How is bust
ness7' his answer will invariably be
either Just fair, to say the most or
Not very good.
Reason for Optimism.
"This is a mistake. Just because
fortunes have not been made there is
no reason for holding continual
crouch against business conditions.
Only two firms, and they were not par
ticularlv large ones at that, failed in
Salt Lake during the year. and | am
safe TO say. that not ono has so. far
failed to obtain profits. Many have
uetted above expectations, while some
Of the larger concerns have done AS
tonishng business. Merchants, large
and small. should realize it when they
have every reason to feel gratified and
optimistic. instead of continually moan
ing about what they have not DONE
The coming week will mark the
opening of doll and toy departments in
reality be the first gun of the annual
Christmas rush. Within three weeks.
it is expected that Christmas shop.
ping. Will be on in full sway through
the business center Of the city From
now until Thanksgiving day nearly all
hrms will he busy preparing for the
one, season 10 which they look forward
with high hopes.
Preparations. are now going on for
the thanksgiving day sales Of special.
Ties. Decorative and table linens prove
features AT such time. This wear the
offerings will hc made little later
than usual. Purchases have copsc-
guentIy been withheld by the army of
Thanksgiving customers. A splendid
week is expected by most merchants.
Has Holiday Appearance.
The art departments of the hip
stores have been on the rush during
the past week. Fancy needle work,
hammered brass and typography have
been the features and will continue
TO strong market until after Christ
mas.
Interest during the week also cen.
tered on suits, ovcrcoats, dress goods,
shirts. millinery, tapestry, bedroom
supplies and underwear Through the
usual buyers opportunities, MANY of
these, special offerings have been re.
Sduced as low as half price. Certain
lines of millinery were reduced notice.
ably and brought out strong demand
shoe stores, men s furnishing houses
hardware. produce and crockerv firms
nave all done good business. Fridavjs
snowstorm and change in weather
caused merchants 10 anticipate a rub.
bcr rush. Last wear being mild manr
lost money on their stock of rubhars
collections have been for tbe most
part satisfactory, Counter sales main.
tam falr average above charge sales
ana most firms report a decrcase in
outstanding accounts on their books