Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-24
NEWARK HOLIDAY
TRADE SMASHES
STORE RECORDS
Leading Houses Tell of Immense
Growth of Business During
Christmas Season.
PRICE OF LUXURLES
SAID TO BE LOWER
Average Cost of Articles Is Less,
PIaut Firm Says-Hahne
] Says IT'S Higher.

Newark,s holiday trade has been
the greatest in the history of the city
That is the summary, with one excep-
ton of what the leading department
store men of the city had to say to-
day.
The stores disagreed as to whether
the average price of articles purchased
was higher or lower than last year
All were ready to quote figures to up
hold their opinions
Both Patrick J. Griffin, of Hahne g.
Co, and Louis Plaut. of l.. S. Plaut
& Co, picked as conspicuous features
OF the holiday trade the unusual good
judgment that characterized the shop
pers. Both men and women did their
shopping early. were business-like and
knew what they wanted TO buy. AS a
result, they made 1t possible for the
storemen to handle the trade better
than ever before.
Furs Below Normal.
There seemed to be a general con-
sensus of opinion by the store execu-
tives that the purchase of the SO
called luxuries had fallen off. The
sales of furs and heavy wear were
below normal, but that was a natural
consequence of the unusually warm
weather.
ut has been the best year we have
had said Mr.. Griffin, of Hahne g.
Co. "Our business was larger than
last year
do you think the average price
was higher or lower than last year?"
he was asked.
I'VE made test of that" was his
quick response. 1T is higher by nine
points.
I'VE did not find that luxuries fell
off. In fact there was considerable
increase in volume. But we have been
exceptionally fortunate. | understand
that it was different with some OF
the stores in New York city.
"The people have gone about their
shopping in a businesslike way. They
started in early and kept at 1T.
"The mild weather, of course, made
difference in the furs and some Of
the heavier goods, but that was only
natural"
THE holiday trade was much
larger than last year for us" said
Edgar Bambergr, Of l.. Bamberger
& Co. I'VE noticed splendid differ
ence"
Average Prices.
Wac zfIe sbtefaee fstotss 10 'oi,
DOWN." he was asked
THAT is hard to say. In some
| lines II was much higher, in others
lower. Take our sixth floor, for in
stance. We have toys and pictures
there The pictures were cheaper
and the toys more expensive.
"In luXuries we are doing a better
business than ever The most re-
markable feature of the holiday, per-
haps, was the volume of business we
did yesterday, despite the disagree
able weather.
at has been splendid We hope
! everyone Is doing as we'll"
THE holiday so far has been excel
lent" said Louis Plaut, of l.. S. Plaut
& Co. THE volume of trade is larger
than any year we have ever had
Our deliveries are enormous. Satur-
! day was one of the biggest days we
have had, and indications are very
good
"The shoppers are using good judg-
| ment and everything is moving.
THE average price is lower than
last year. That is the condition all
over the country. 1t isn't much lower,
but 1t is dictinctly lower. That is
also true among the importers and
manufacturers who are selling to
merchants.
"The demand has been for a lower
grade of goods. Take, for instance
long gloves. The price last year aver
aged from $3.50 to 1925. This year it
was 81, $1.50 and $500.
I'm general the manufacturers we
deal with say the same thing There
is more demand for the lower priced
goods.
Even high-class concerns in New
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