Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-06-15

along the line, for it is but human
nature that We think it is emily our
selves who have felt most SHARPLY
what the return to nornlaicy has
done for US in the way of taking mark
downs. 1t is not for me to dec1y our
losses or sulk in the tent of dissatis-
faction over The fate THAT fell the lot
of every merchant in bringing about
a better period of times. AM proud
to state that l am member of the
mercantile craft, and though mis-
apprehension Of facts THE buying pub
lie will lfttle appreciation the sacri-
fees we mace yet there is no finer
example of unselfish loyalty, NO bst-
ter type, o ,feisizershtp, nor is there
more eagerness expressed " any
class to bring about those conditions
That approach the much talked of
Normally, than taat evidenced ~
ne American Retailer.
There are many things w1.ich, enter
into the. selling Of merchandise that
the average consumer gives but hit
lie though to and THE public must De
prescribed with the facts so that they
might know something pertaining the
co..s of doing business and thu factors
TIA. enter into it. 1t would net take
great amount of advertising space
ID explain. that one of the creates.
t::::tors in the cost of Distribution IS
the salaries store pays tine en-
D 0"ees. A store pays good salaries
in order to secure the best talent and
render TO the trade the best of se.!
ing service, and we dou6t if the pub
&c ucnld like to see the stores, CT
Alexandria materially lower the s''a,t
ari of remuneration paid their help.
Thisn there has been no decrease
ii aents, or its equivalent ii you own
ycur own building because Of in,
creased cost of repairs and maintcn
arcc.
Transportation, inward, increased
l.ilroad rates, more goods received
ty parcel pos. and express in ord2i
- better serve our customers. Ad-
vs.;sing and nunloers of o.ter thing
that enter into the cost Of doing
business have shown no appreciao.e
define and yet every commodity that
is sold over the counter has in the
pssss year gone down SO 1-3 to 90 pr
cent, ard such reductions hlve bez:i
reflccted,ia.sthe retail prices. There
are very few RETAIL stores who ever
earn as much as 10 per cent net re-
tuvn on the amount of business done
and in. most cases it averages from
two 20 six percent.
/ do not believe that the customers
CT Alexandria Werchapts or of any
store, no matter wherr they De 10
,,,,el, if ,fullysSnfbrnra by the Eetai'-
CT concerning prices as they exist To-
day would concur in the opinion Of
uur Government authorities, and say
we ere Eor doing our patriotic BIZ.
BAT this j. where we have lacked or
%anizathon. We have failed to put
across the message SO vital 70 the IN
...area.. OF the mercantile world ala
Gu: general welfare, by not giving the
pui,.ic presentation of facts, and for
the crnefft Of those who we desire
to have the truth, hope the Presi-
den. of this Club will tonight appoin:
a publicity comm ittee, whose purpose
it shan be to prepare and submit 20
tie court of public opinion articles
oea,ing on the retail trade.
Speaking of insidious publicity per-
init me to bring to your attention the
latest and most serious form of pro-
paganda directed against US. The
timely films Corporation of New
York has released the following finn,
which win come under the head OF
Town Topics now being flashed OH
the screen at various theatres anG
motion picture houses throughout the
country.
Retail Merchants. you are respon-
$ bic for slow business in your store.
TIE puolic wants to buy. They must
buy. Wages are declining, nianufact
urers are selling cheaper. Readjust