Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-15
MERCHANTS OF SOUTH
ARE R|CHM0ND's GUESTS
Annual Better Acquaintance Week
Opens Under Brilliant
Auspices.
MAYOR WELCOMES VISITORS
Interesting Discussions Of Problems
OF Retailing Are Scheduled for
To-Dny-Tradc Extensions Bureau
Provides Entertainment Features.

With all indications pointing to the
greatest convention OF its kind ever
held in Richmond. the southern bust
ness mems conference OF Better Ac-
quaintance Week" opened officially yes
terday morning at IL o'clock In the
auditorium OF the John Marshall High
School Building under patriotic aus
pices.
Tho meeting was opened and closed
with patriotic anthems. While tho con-
vcntion stood to sing My Country
'Tis Of Thee" pictures OF historic pa
triotic scenes were flashed on the can
vas screen. giving expression to the
words of the song. Patriotism was
everywhere in evidence. The stage was
bedecked with patriotic colors: the
speeches were pervadcd with the feel
ing. On the stage were: Mayor Aims
lie, T. B. Sydnor, chairman; Norman
II. Johnson. ]. C. Walker, j. T. Pal
matary. +. II. fictitious, and N. B.
Broaddus
The meeting was called to order bv
Z a nj n Sydnor. who introduced
Mayor Ainslie. The mayor extended a
cordial welcome to the visitors to
Richmond. In part. he said that in
this day and time it was difficult to
appreciate banking and industrial prjn
ctplcs since very few people had bill
non dollar minds and consequently,
were unable to adjust themselves 70
the present condition. He quoted star
sering figures as to how much money
was spent in the South because of row
eminent activities and said that IL be-
hooVed the Southern merchant to show
the country how to economic.
DISCUSSES COMPETITION
OF MAIL ORDER HOUSES
E. b. Sydnor, chairman of the bu-
reau' followed with short speech on
What Are We Here For?" He called
attention to the fact that all nroblams
are problems Of mutual interest He
pointed out the alarming situation that
now confronts the Southern retailer
through the competition of mail or.
der houses He based his argument
upon plea for the installation OF
mooern' ousiness-like methods. the es-
laoiishment of modern cash, credit
and collecting system and modern pro-
eressiVe advertising. He said a mer
chant should get at least three turn
overs a year out OF his business and
that modern efficiency is the only
means by which this can be brought
about.
He was followed by Norman II
johnson. who held his audienc, In.
tehsely interested by a careful anaIv
Sis OF the many problems confrontinp
the Southern retailer. Speaking nm
the subject OF the First Principles or
Merchandising" he said that the haz-
aros OF retailing are greater than any
other business. that no ono large nrir
ciple can insure success for tbe W.
chant but that il is the careful CON
sideratfon OF the many small details
.ne stoppage OF the many apparently
insignificant leaks. He further said
That one Of the primary principles of
good merchandising is the adoption OF
me rnooerh and progressive manner or
advertising. In conclusion. he said thar
the South to-day is the nations "a.
serve. we arc just coming into our
own we know no caste nor crceo
other than charity and benevolence."
The meeting then adjourned for
inncheon which was prepared in the
hiEh school and served In the ives,
nan. FOR the afternoon there was no
meeting. the merchants being left free
to roam around. meet friends, and make
Whatever purchases they desired.
WILL BE GUESTS OF
TRADE EXTENSION BUREAU
Tonight the merchants Will he tho
guests OF the Trade Extension Bureau
or the Chamber of Commerce at the
Lyric Theater. Continuing throuchout
the three-day conference the mer-
chants will enjoy the hospitality of the
Extension Bureau.
The Better Acquaintance Week wa,
established by the Chamber of Com
merce five years ago and the funda-
mental reason was that such an or
ganization was the only effective
manner to meet the competition Of the
mail-ordcr houses. and because per-
sonar contact would be productive or
great results For this very reason. to-
day a question box will be placed in
the conference room. OF course, there
are going TO be experts present to
discuss many problems. but II there is
any question that any merchant de-
stres to ask, he may do so by dropping
1t In the box. and it will come up for
general discussion before the house.
All visitors are entitled to refund
OF their round-trip railroad fares II
their aggregate purchases from the
members OF the Trade Extension Blu
reau total so much as $500 But these
purchases must be made by merchants
living not more than $50 miles from
Richmond. TO obtain refund, mer-
chants living between ISL and 600
miles distant must make purchases Of
at least $1,000 worth OF goods. Others
must purchase at least $500 worth Of
goods If they live a greater distance
from Richmond. in order TO obtain a
refund. One-half the railroad fare
will be furnished the merchants whose
purchases aggregate one-half the
stated amount.
Addresses will be made to-day on
Making More Money in Business" by
Norman H. Johnson, Of Richmond;
Selling Plans That Win Bigger Prof
it's by Thomas a. Knapp. of the Shell
don School of Salesmanship. Chicago;
Science Of Building a Retail Bust
ness" by Professor A. f. Sheldon,
Sheldon School OF Salesmanship. Chi
cago.
One of the outstanding features OF
the convention will be the window
dressing contest which takes place to-
day. Nineteen stores have already an
nounced their entry. and many more
are expected to enter. The convention
continues thrnnrh ri,nrSdau auaninnr