Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-12-02
RAY OF LIGHT IN
LEATHER TRADE
encouraging Reports From the
New England States and the
Middle West.

Encouraging indeed Is the report which
pomcs TO this city of what now looks like
promising conditions in the leather indus
try throughout the Middle West. There
Is every indication of any early settlement
of conditions. which, during the past three
months have affected thousands of leather
workers, not only in this city, but IN every
other section of the country.
Sales of shoes are proceeding in man,
ner to encourage Wholesale dealers and
manufacturers. In this city, especially
during the past week, retail dealers have
been determined TO clean up their shelves,
rs soon as possible, and in many instances
prices have been marked down, with that
end in view. This has induced buying by
the public and il seems to be generally
expected in trade that by New ear 3 con-
tlitions will be much improved and that
then business will gradually resume.
The glazed kid campaign now under way
in Wilmington is also considered big
a.se, To both dealers and manufacturers
and every effort will be made to boost
this drive to its limits. Already 3S dealers
have agreed TO handle Wilmington glazed
kid shoes and Others arc expected to JOIN
IN the ranks. 49,,
In the New England factories a little
more activity is noted. In Auburn, Name
operetion on a threc-day-a-week schedule.
Auburn is classed as one of New England's
largest show ceptcrs, Latest information
received indicates that practically sll OF
the nine factories in that city will be
operated on q three-dav-A-week bssi,
right along lt is known that at least
three OF these plants secure their glazed
KID from Wilmington.
In Haverhill, Mass, manufacturers and
workInen have reached an agreement and
a dozen or more factories have set their
cutters 10 work About 100 factories max
ing shoes are affected by the wage adjust
nent II will be several weeks before ful
crews are needed in these shops, but the
start in some Is encouraging.
In Lynn, Mass, several shoe factories
arc starting after an nll-nImmer closing
New STYLES are being put on the market
and vigorous effort Is being made 10
attract business II is found that buyers,
as rule, demand lower prices than the
conditions of manufacturers will permit
few manufacturers are cutting prices
deeply, but majority adhere TO the pol
lcv of dong bushes. only when some
profit ~ obtainahle.
Locally. the buying Of shoes shows some
improvement IN retail stores. A great VA
uetv Of patterns sre being offered IN
womens boots, snd also some variation
from tho usual grade in mems shoes. The
continued call for low shoes so late in the
season is a surprise. Brogues are selling
as we'll rs any style A considerable fall
81 snow and subsequent cold weather
seems 10 be the only thing that will start
determined movement in high shoes and
hoots
In this city no sales Of hides have becn
reported during the past Ave weeks and
today practically every leather factory
and industry 10 st a standstill. These
plants, it il understood; will not reopen
until the demand from leather consumers
warrants operation. II il firmly believed
-ha. tbs bottom in hides and leather has
been reached and that a slow but steady
return 70 normal busines. conditions will
h. noted after the first Of the year.