New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-08-22

Price still plays the leading role in
ell merchandising. In preparation for
fall, retail merchants are showing d
more decided leaning toward cheaper
merchandise, in the belief that many
of their customers will be unable to
pay as high prices as they did earlier
in the year. This trend is marked in
the mems clothing trade and has re-
suited in the cancellation of a few
early orders for high priced merchan-
disc. 1t also has affected the cloth
market for spring goods to some ex-
tent, as revealed by the demand for
woolens as contrasted to the higher
priced worsteds.
Ruying at wholesale, in the main,
continues on restricted level. Manu-
facturers are beginning to predict that
the primary markets soon will be short
of good merchandise. Their determine
alton to make up merchandise only on
special order has not been changed by
signs Of business Improvement. In
many cases the manufacturer is unable
to stock goods for an anticipated fu-
ture demand, because of financial rea-
sons. On the other hand, the retailer
appears just as determined to keep
away from placing orders for future
delivery as much as possible and to
depend upon current supplies in the
market for his stock he needs it,
This attitude is making it difficult for
the manufacturers of highly styled
merchandise, and has contributed to
delaying the establishment of fall
styles to no little degree
The women's outer wear market was
stirred last week by the action of sew
eral manufacturing associations estab-
fishing an unofficial boycott against the
New York Office of the Retail Research
Association, which on August sent
letter to several Of its eighteen depart
ment store members, stating that the
apparel market was in a critical cond-
ton, that bankruptcies we're likely to
ensue and that arrangements had been
made to take advantage of distress
stocks thus thrown on the market. Re-
sponsibility for the letter was denied
by officials of the retail organization.
The manufacturers asserted that al
though buying had been slow so far
this season, the financial condition of
the industry is sound, and that offer
ings Of distress merchandise are likely
to be small. From other sources of in
formation it appears that the women's
apparel market is fairly we'll supplied
with cheap merchandise, but that the
manufacturers of high-grade garments
nave not maze up any appreciate
quantities for stock and have stuck to
their determination to produce goods
! only on advance order
COttOns
The cotton goods market showed un-
usual strength in many directions la st
week. Prices of several constructions
of gray or unfinished goods were ad-
vanced, In addition to the advances
made by some sellers of bleached goods
and denims. Trading in gray goods up
to the middle of the week was dull, al
though prices were firmly held. Later
trading became more active and prices
again advanced slightly. At the end of
the week brokers reported that it was
almost impossible to find 64x6O 1872 :
inch print cloths for spot delivery for
less than IL cents a yard. Buying of
sheetings by the bag trade also fea-
tured the gray goods market last week.
Jobbers reported good demand for
almost all cotton goods for nearby de-
livery. Purchasing by jobbers, how
ever, was on a restricted basis, except
for the goods which have been in
strong demand for some weeks. Spring
wash goods are showing slightly more
activity. but it now seems apparent
that little real buying will be done be-
fore next month.