The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-06-25
FIGHT MAIL ORDER HOUSE.

FIGHT MAIL ORDER HOUSE.
Small Town Merchant Can Get 1usi-
ness if He Tries.
Coming, as it does, from the mer-
chandise man for store in Montana
center. of little more than 1000 popu-
lation, the following article in regard
to bucking the mail order house COM
petition should appeal very strongly to
great many readers. 1t will be seen
that the merchandise man who has
contributed this interesting and sug-
gestive statement takes an optimistic
view Of the retailers opportunities for
heading off mail order house competi-
ton, and, in part at least, he suggests
how this is to lie done He says:
There has been for some time and is
yet grief among small town merchants
owing to the large business done in
their locality through the retail mail
order houses. More so since the par
eel post system has come and also the
reduction in express rates throughout
the United States.
The question is, What is the main
cause Of this condition? I have been
located with small town merchants for
some time and have made a careful
investigation Of this condition, which
know exists, and believe and will
say that I know that in ninety nine
cases out of hundred the merchant
himself is to blame.
He has, If I may say it, fallen into a
rut. He'has many dollars tied up with
old merchandise which he cannot move
and will not buy any new goods be-
cause he has not sold his old stock,
and, besides, he argues, the mail order
houses are doing the largest amount Of
business in his town and district,
which he ought to have. ).
In other words, his store is full to
the doors with unstable merchandise,
and the people are tired of seeing it.
With all the national advertising that
is done through the magazines and
newspapers the people are informed Of
ing apparel, shoes, hats, etc. That il
what they want, and they will have #
because it is the newest thing out.
And if their home town store has no
such merchandise where are they go
ing to get it?
They look through the catalogues
which the mail order house has SO
kindly sent them, pick what they want
out, send a money order, and in few
days the newest styles are delivered
to them. Even if it costs little more
by parcel post they will have it. q
Now, then, if Mr.. Small Town Mer-
chant will open his eyes and take
good look at his store and stock, put
his old merchandise out at price that
will move it, and move it; if he will
change the stock around, should it be-
necessary-and l know that changes
sell merchandise-if he will make at
tractive window and ledge displays
and buy new, up to date, stylish mer-
chandise he will find the largest
amount of his mail order competition
disappearing.
1t is only right that the merchant
should have the business Of his town
and surrounding locality, and it is up
to him to go after it right-and get it.
Recently l have been watching the
customers very closely while making
purchases, and in many cases they
say: II can never get what l want in
this store. They never have anything
new. 1 might have known better than
to come here. l shall have to send to
the mail order house for what l want.
. The result is that the merchant has
probably lost good customer for good
and that every day he is driving others
away through these conditions, which
know to exist.
know of one merchant who has a
bizable general merchandise store and
also has the postof11ce in his store, and
it keeps him SO busy writing out money
orders for the mail order houses and
receiving mail order packages for the
people in his town that he has no time
to wait on the little trade he has left,
but which is fast getting away from
him.
Now, then, Mr.. Merchant, it is up to
you to get busy and get what the peo-
pie want They are tired Of seeing old
stock. It must be new, up to date and
stylish-for this day and generation
Dry Goods Economist.
A Live Town.
The chamber of commerce Of the
comparatively small town Of Clear1eld,
Pa. is making rapid forward strides
and is already planning the installation
Of an ornamental lighting system, the
establishment Of garbage incinerat-
ing plant and the Identification Of the
city parks. Further than this, the
Clearfield chamber is fostering move
ment for the building of homes for
Inn thu ncfo 1o1{chy,onv% ne