Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-04-30

Merchants Association of Richmond.
local retailers arc daily demonstrate
Ing and enjoying the benefits which
come through cooperation.
AS n result OF the cnterprising
work OF this organization. the stores
comprising Its membership have
cradicated many costly evils from
their business. This, Il is certain,
could have been accomplished only
by unanimous action on the part of
fichmond's representative retail
houses. Even the minor functions OF
the association. many merchants be-
lievc. would justify its existence and
continued maintenance. But the re-
suits OF its larger activities consti-
tutc proof Of the value of co-opera-
ton which cannot but command the
respect and admiration OF every one
who is interested in retail mcrchan-
diSing methods.
Despite the Importance OF the many
activities of the association. w. A.
Clarke, Jr., secretary and general
manager, yesterday expressed the
opinion that the greatest activity OF
this organization is its credit report
ing bureau, and he pointed to results
already achieved in support of his
statement
New Officers of Credit Bureau.
Members OF this branch OF the as
ISOLATION recently celebrated their
FIRST anniversary with Il dinner at
the Rose Bowl Inn. Thirty-nve men
and women who pass on credits in
many Richmond stores were present.
y business session was held 1t the
headquarters OF the Retail Mcr-
chants Association. third and Broad
Streets, and the following officers
were elected 10 serve for the cnsu-
ing year:
u
president; Gilbert Grecntrec. of Never
Greentree's. vice president; w l.. Lu-
cas-, of O. II. Berry & Co. secretary,
and ". ~ Clarke, Jr.. reporting sec
rotary.
This branch OF tho association is
composed Of tho credit men and wom-
en- of the leading retail stores. and
meetings are held monthly for the
discussion OF matters pertaining to
credits. Each member brings to these
meetings the names OF not less than
three of his slow or troublesome ac-
counts for the information OF the
craft and for suggestions about the
probability or possibility of collect
ing his money.
Keeping Tab on Credit.
Each merbe in turn. calls Il name
and when any other member has in
formation about the person whose
DtcIl inc latter
states his experience with the in
diNidual under discussion. Thus. the
other members of the association who
are present at the meeting get the
Information on the particular individ-
ual being scrutiniZed and later on IL
Is recorded on the reports in the
Office of the secretary OF the local
association. In this way credit trans
actions, the movements and the re-
sponsibiliiy OF the people of Rich
nlond who enjoy the privilege OF cred
IL are well watched
When "A meeting is called to or
der. the business proceeds about as
follows:
John Doe" calls out member
IRON some Of those present come
answers 10 this mans name. What
do you know about John Doc?" asks
the chairman. addressing the one who
first called the name. He has been
married less than year" comes the
reply. and says his young wife must
think he IS i millionaire from the
va! she l. buying goods. and says
he wants he. credit stopped, and
wants everybody IL! town TO Know it,
"f'uiting GA the Brakes"
Gee wAi2z" from member who
had t-at Very day o. KID :. credit
q $40 :9r Mis- John Doe.
-!re business declared The chair
n-aa Everybody make note OF
tnt; lays name and put the brakes
e., a1a everybody 4..;ted down Mrs.
Mis- Mary n:-uls' was the mex,
A4-e3 called Il wan, 10 know where
sAe lives. qGer!cG the next mem
BET! The En-n,hzrs again responded.
and u developed tina; Miss Mary
had moved several times in few
months that she owed a number OF
accounts all long past due. Her cor
rect address WAS found in the rec
orGs o. tho associations Office and She
was married down a bad Gus
TONER"
Miss Helen nlanH." cried on, an
other member. Answers proved her
i'nanc!ally responsible. but she was
shown % be n-glecttui Of her ac-
counts and notorious for returning
goods after keeping them at home
for several days. An undesirable ac-
count and she. was 50 marked.
Record of Credit Facts.
rms goes on uutn each member has
chance 10 gather information on
the names brought and announced for
that purpose The facts in every case
are put into 4 permanent record. kept
by stenocraphcr present at the
meeting They are prepared immed-
lately after each meeting and Sent
10 all members In circular form. the
permanent record being he!d in the
Office for future reference.
Last year Nh Clarke, who IS also
manager OF tn" bureau, said that h,
received 10000 requests for credit in.
formation. III tn. bureaus Office flies
the names Of 10000 people are kent
together with credit information con.
corning each. which means that prac.
tical!y all OF the 10000 requests for
information last year were satisfac.
torily answered.
The association employs seven pco.
pie Ia its Offices. and four telephone.
are kent busy at all times supply.
ing credit Information to retail
stores. Two Investigators are ken
on the street, seeking credit infornla.
ton at hrsthand. The work OF tn,
association has grown 10 such pro
portions that IL has become neccssar,
10 enlarge the present quarters am
install Il private branch telephone cx,
change. plans for which are now be
Ing formulated.
Many humorous ana pathetic case!
are frequently brought to the attcn
tion Of Secretary Clarke. 1t is doubt
fui ~ any other man In KichmonC
knows so many facts about so man,
people az does william a. CLARK.
Jr. More than zoo retail merchant
turn TO the burden under his charg,
when customer wishes 10 oren
Charge account"
Angry husbands call upon him {,
discuss the extravagances OF theI
wives and daughters and urge him I,
do something to curb their cxpcndi