The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-11-06
TRADE SITUATION is
NOT MUCH CHANGED
Wholesale and JObbing Lines
Are Still Dull-Rctail Bust
ness Slightly Better.
PURCHASERS HOLD OFF
Price Schedules Generally Are
Unsettled-COOler Weather
q Small Factor.

Notwithstanding the change to cooler
weather, which has had salutary
effect on retail trade generally. the
business Of the country, as reflected
In wholesale and jobbing lines. is much
the same as 1t has been In recent weeks.
There has been little change for the
better in retail lines as result OF
more seasonable weather, but other
wise the weekly trade reviews indicate
that conditions generally are as bad as
they were last week and in the pre-
c>diug week. Purchasers In most lines
continue to hold off for some evidence
that the price readjustment has been
completed, and until they find some
evidence OF that character they will
continue to restrict their purchases to
immediate needs. The effect Of that
condition has been very unsettling on
price schedules generally.
Cooler weather. In some sections
winter storms, and extensive advertis-
ing Of further reductions at retail
sayn Brodstrcets State of Trade, have
given a slight flip to buying at retail,
this offsetring the natural quiet in
duced by interest In the election re-
turns. and retail trade as whole shapes
up better than two weeks ago. though
colAer weather would concededly help
stiIi further. with this exception the
trade and Industrial situation is not
greatly changed. While retail trade is
classed as fair to quiet. the latter re-
port is most common In wholesale anu
1obbing circles. and manufacture anu
Industry is, on the whole. quieter. que
to the reduced pace OF produc,'o IL. ~
Sror and steel. automobiles and tires.
lumber mills and textile factories. whiie
the advance Of the fall season In agri-
CULTURAL lines makes for Quieter condi-
fions in outdoor occupations seneraiiy:
Coilections have. II anything. slowed
.tiI further. In wholesale and 1oDoins
iines efforts to interest the retailers
have not Tagged. and further easing OF
ouota lions is reported. Retailers sen-
orally. however, are still inclined 20 ouy
only for Immediate necessities ana traoe
IN primary lines still lacks the norman
fall volume" ,.~,,, .xo hor..
81 q srects in business are being ratner
more freely emphasized. with strengthen
inr Of confidence In certain quarters
General conditions have not cnanseo es-
. ssntiaily. A belated turn to more sea-
.ons HE weather in some sections OF tne
country has given moderate stimulus 10
. retarded and restricted movement a.
retail. and holiday requirements may NC
expocted to later bring at least q tem-
v1oYQrY revival Oh COHeuAhoio
'srhe underlying situation IN primary
channels. however, is still characterized
by the phases which have recently pc
come familiar, and which find reflection
in receding prices and diminished OUTPUT,
With a further lessening OF operating
forces in many instances
.Wtth nearly all purchasers waiting
for evidence that the price REIMBURSEMENT
has run its course before committing
themselves for the future. comparatively
few new orders are being received TO re-
place those which have been completed
and manufacturers are not disposed 10
accumulate reserve stocks Of goods dur
ing the present period OF uncertainty.
"The proportion Of inactive producing
capacity, therefore. has increased In tex
tiles. leather, iron and steel. and else
where, and an easing Of conditions IN the
labor market. with some downward re-
visions of wages. Is reported In various
Industries. Such developments as these.
as well as the rise in the commercial
mortality, are a natural concomitant OF
the economic transition which for some
time past has been in motion but bust
ness is gradually adjusting itself to
sounder basis. and the way Is being
shaped for subsequent progress along
more conservative md wholesome lines.