New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-04
PEOPLE BUYING
MERCHANDISE OF
RICHER QUALITY
Retailers Doing Biggest
Business on Record,
Despite High Prices

That in spite OF the high prices peo-
pie are buying more goods than ever
before and that there is notable pref
erence for the more expensive mer-
chandise are the two salient facts de-
veloped by a canvass of the principal
department stores of New York City
This interesting trade survey was made
by DRY Goods" trade organ. and the
results are printed in this weeks issue.
b. Altman & Co. say:
Our sales have shown large increase
over those of last year. and this sea-
sons business will probably establish
record We arc well supplied with mer-
chandise. and every department is well
taken care Of. The demand Is for the
higher priced goods. which shows that
the people have the money to spend. The
number OF shoppers seen IN our various
departments is unusual for this time OF
the year, and this would indicate that
the public are shopping early.
The vice-president of Lord e. Tay-
lor's. Edward L. Hengerer, says every
department has shown an increase:
In all Of our fancy lines the sales have
been big. The public have commenced 10
shop earlier this year than heretofore
believe this is due TO the fact that there
is more money in circulation than year
ago. and the people have more 10 spend.
We are in unusually good shape on nler-
chandise, although we have had some
difficulty in getting what we wanted
At Wanamaker's there is indicated
a record breaking season:
The demand for all kinds of merchan-
disc in the better grades has been ire
mendous. The general business condi-
tons are very satisfactory IN every way:
All departments have shown decided
increase over that of last year. We have
plenty of merchandise on hand for the
holiday trade, and are in position TO
meet the demand in every department.
The outlook was never brighter than now
for a big holiday trade.
Iouis Stern. Of Stern Brothers, says:
We have enough merchandise, although
on some lines il was necessary 20 look
ahead to secure what we wanted. Every
body is earning more money and viii
therefore have more TO spend. Higher
grades of merchandise are being called
for in all departments. and larger adj
vances in sales recorded. This condition
best reflects the prosperity of the people,
ana all points 70 the kOOu ouSihtoS
will be done during the holidays.
The experience of James McCreery
& Co. is related by Vice-Presi dent W.
G. Timothy:
People are shopping early and spending
money freely. We have plenty of merchan-
disc in all departments. When you realize
there are only twenty selling days after
a
public are doing their holiday shopping
now. Sales in all departments show big
increase. and the prospects for "A big holi-
day trade are shown by the increased BUSH
ness throughout the entire store. Condi-
tons in all lines of the retail trade are
satisfactory, and everybody is feeling the
wave Of prosperity which is sweeping the
country.
A big jewelry season is predicted by
II. Redman, of Saks & Co.:
This is going To be big jewelry sea-
son, and this reflects To certain extent
the prosperity of the people High grades
OF merchandise have never been in such
great demand in this city as now. Our
sales show an increase in this kind OF
goods. and the demand is increasing as the
holidays approach Cool weather has
helped TO bring out early shoppers. who
are making their purchases now. | do no,
think that the retail trade will feel the
full benefit Of this prosperity until next
spring.
r. II. Macy & Co. say that the high
est priced merchandise is in most de-
mand:
Everybody is working and general condi.
tons good. The freer spending of
money on the part OF the public has been
evidenced IN many ways, but in way
more than in the increase in sales OF high
priced merchandise. This seasons business
will probably establish a record for our
store.