The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1921-08-26
John n. Koch On Eastern
Business Conditions
HOME FROM HIS TRIP
Made Heavy Purchases For the
Brett Company Stores;
Some Tips
From THURSDAYS Daily


J. H. Koch. who just returned
from New York and other eastern
markets where he placed orders for
the Geo. E. Brett company of Mankato
and Albert Lea for the fall season,
said that in his opinion as well as
the other buyers who were in the
markets, merchandise is as cheap now
as it can possibly be produced this
season. Standard authority is given
for the statement that the prices OF
raw wool today is as low as 1t was
in 1914, at which time it was the
lowest in it's history. Labor Is still
100 per cent higher than in 1914
even after the 22 per cent reduction
from last year. Fuel, power, tele-
phone and all other such items, as
we all know, are still as high as
they were during the war. 1t is. be-
lieved that nothing but reduction
in the price of labor can lesson the
price OF wearing apparel and this Is
not likely to happen. 1t Is further
believed that with the tarif going
into effect, the cloth and silk situa-
ton is bound to be strengthened the
silk markets in Japan is now quite
strong.
Veiours, Bolivias, certain Broad.
cloths and Yalamas are mentioned
as scarce fabrics. you will hear OF
wooden fabrics but Mr.. Koch says
that the above four mentioned are
really the only fabrics used and that
the names applied to their differen,
qualities are merely trade names
given them by manufacturers to in
dividualize their own products,) there
fore they all come under the head Of
the above mentioned.
The Reason For Scarcity
The reason for the scarcity OF
these materials Is given in the fact
that there are about four times as
many worsted looms as there are
wooden looms and as it takes longer
to, turn out a piece Of wooden goods
the demand exceeds the production
The American Wooden Co. at the
opening of its lines for 1922 spring
season was considerably higher thar
the fall prices, and Velours in the
open market today are from Is pei
cent to % per cent more than the
opening mill price. Dry goods ant
ready 10 wear garments that will b.
offered for sale in thirty or sixt!
udJS uOW Will nave W VIC A6uk
ed at these advance prices, which
at our present price or a highel
price for the same high grade mer
chandise now offered. .-.E
The Brett Co., so Mr.. Koch says
have made their selections and pur
chased their goods at very loves
prices for quality merchandise ant
anticipate to pass ON to their Gus
toners all savings on their purchas
eS.
Suits are shown in Yalama, Vel
ours and Tricotines. Loose, Boxy
Ripples seem much desired, straigh
line jackets thirty-six inches Ions
are selling well. A good suit season
is anticipated and prices are not ex
travagant.
Demand For Better Grades
There is big demand for tn,
better grade of coats. Fur trimmed
embroidered and cut work applique
long loose flaring styles.
Dresses, it is believed, are likel.
to outsell all other garments
Straight lines, tailored and embroid
| cry effects in Tricotines and fin'
tensear Crepe, Roshanara Crepe an,
Crepe Black Satins. Black Is des
ignated as. the leading color both il
| dresses and coats and some of tn
better qualities Of fabrics are beauti
full in black. Navy and Brown witt
| a slight sprinkling of Sorrento thu
new blue, are also in vogue. The Bret
company have received many ship
ments Of these new garments and a
usual their display has attracte'
| many customers who look to thi
| concern for their wants, knowinI
| that merchandise bought of them ]
! always dependahle.