The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-12
CLOTHING MEN IN
 DOUBT AS RESULT
 OF PRICE ADVANCES
Say Bargain Sales as Con- ducted in Years Past Are Simply Out of the
 Question

The clothing merchants of Birmingham and throughout the entire country are facing an exceedingly trying situation. Further advance in the prices of raw ma- terials and a scarcity that promises to amount to famine in some lines has compelled retailers to abandon the early cut price sales that have been customary in seasons past, because it Is impossible to replace their present stocks at any, thing like the prices paid for them.
 If there are any sales they will be at the very end of the season, and then only for the purpose of converting stocks into cash. Reductions will probably be much less than the consumer has been in the habit of expecting. In fact, the majority of local clothing merchants have stated there will be no sales before February.
 In acknowledging receipt of recorders, manufacturers nowadays invariably send the retailer a notice advising a rise in the price of the article ordered and it is a fre- quent occurrence for the maker to notify the retailer of a shortage of raw material and his, the makers inability to fill the order at any price.
 Leather goods are perhaps the most vi- tally affected by the present unprece- dented market conditions, with wool and knit goods a close second. Quoting from a letter recently received by prominent local retailer concerning shoes, the maker says:
 ''The foreign demand for finished leather of all kinds continues in a tremendous volume and price is apparently no object to the foreign buyer In addition to this the governments at war have placed an embargo on all skins and hides, thus greatly curtailing the normal production of domestic tanneries. Added to this is the greatly stimulated demand for shoes in this country.'
 This maker then compares prices paid a year ago and prices paid today for leather: Colored kid has advanced from 50 cents to S1. .25 per foot, calf from 2S cents to 65 cents per foot. black kid from 2S cents to 60 cents per foot. The same comparison holds good on every item that enters into the production of shoes.
 One of the largest underwear mills in America has withdrawn all price quota tions and maker of nationally adver- tised hosiery is refusing to accept any more orders for next springs delivery, and fears he will not be able to fill what orders he now has. So 1t is readily seen that the life of retailer of wearing ap- parel is not happy one, and he must be ever alert to the overnight price changes and have the market at his finger tips in order to protect his patrons interests.
 In conclusion, a word of advice from the merchant to the bargain buyer may not be aniss. They warn you to beware of sales unless there is a brand or trade mark, or a merchants reputation that will assure a known standard of value to gauge the sincerity of the reduction, because dependable merchandise is worth every penny it costs and retailers in the south are fully justified in their decision to put off sale until the very last min- ute. The leading merchants of the east have entirely abolished cut price sales for two years past and consumers have found it reacts to their advantage in the way of better values and honest advertising.