The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-01
ySsETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCTA.
TION
Meeting of Advisory Board Held-Ad-
vertising and Trading Stamps Dis
cuSSed.

cuSsed.
Almost the entire membership Of
the Advisory Board Of the Retail Mer-
chants Association of Sumter, con-
sisting of nineteen members, attended
meeting of that board held at the
Chamber of Commerce Friday. The
merchants who are members of this
organization have entered into agree
ment among themselves not to do any
advertising except such as may be cr-
dorsed by this board. While the
Chamber Of Commerce. as a whole. is
not subject to this pledge, yet many
OF the members have refused to ad-
vertise in any way except it first re-
ceives this endorsement. This has re-
suited in the saving Of a considera ble
sum of money for the merchants ard
the city as a whole.
1t should be understood that the
merchants do not in any way Interfere
with any particular. concern or per-
son who may wish to solicit advertis-
ing provided that concern or person is
able to show proper credentials ct
character and ability TO carry out his
contract. The association does, how
ever. lay down general rules as to
what character of advertising it will
approve ard disapprove no matter
what particular concern or person
may be affected thereby. The purpose
is to cut out all fraudulent and wasrc-
full advertising. thereby securing for
the merchants Of Sumter the largest
possible returns in direct results for
their advertising and directly brilg-
ing to Sumter more trade. If a mer-
chant is sure that $5 spent in advertis-
ing in certain publication will bring
sure results while he is not sure Of
another So i'm another publication. he
is advised to advertise only where il
VIII bring the best results.
All current and regular publications.
such as the regular dailies and week.
lies are endorsed. These have a
known circulation and are published
regularly. The same is true of per-
sonal circulars and letters. All spe-
cial cases not coming within the
above are passed upon by the board
or a committee Of the board. All
programs Of whatsoever nature are
not endorsed. The same is true Of
special booklets, folders, etc.
Each case is carefully investigated
and wherever it does nor come within
the rules stated is subject to close
scrutiny. If it is a case that appears
on its face as good advertising. then
the character Of the concern advo-
eating it is looked into so that il
may be determined if the contract will
he carried out.
The Advisory Board discussed the
Trading Stamp question. repre-
sentative was recently in the city. but
so far as is known 10 contracts were
secured here. Fortunately the busi
ness men Of sumter long ago cut out
the trading stamps as very poor
business investment.
The State Il; iroad Commission win
hold hearine IN sumter on Nav s
in the Court House at 10 =. m. 4
number Of merchants will be request
ed to testify at this time. Any who
may have testimony - offer VIII con-
fer with ~" Secretary IT once or
with Mr.. II. c. Hayn> worth. Chair
man of the COMMITTEES on Railroad
Extension and Passenger Service.
who will conduct tho hearing. Repre-
S"ntativos from the commercial bodies
of camden and Summerton VIII be
represented ana number IF ratrons
along the line. Il IS hoped that some
decision may he arrived 4 hat Viii
be mutually satisfactory to an par
ties concerned.
Miss Marion Doar. Of Georgetown.