Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-01-02
Retail Merchants Of State
Created By Governor Nestos
And Association President

The jobbers and manufacturers
have been very liberal in granting
credit. in fact. l am convinced that
they are partly responsible for the in
solvent condition that a great many
merchants find themselves in at this
time. and they are realizing that an
entirely new system OF merchandis-
ing must, be. put into practice. Your
president n secretary: have been
working with. the jobber and manu-
sfacturer for the past four years as
well as with the retail MERCHANTS. try
ing: to bring about closer Eco cooperation
and better business methods. We feel
shat we have done our part, and If
the merchants had come with US and
accepted the plans and specifications
for the operation Of retail merchan-
dising in the state Of North Dakota.
the conditicrs that are facing so
many merchants at this time would
not now erist.
""Your president has demonstrated
that the thirty day system will work.
in MANN'S STORE at Devils Lake:
work. by the operation of MANN'S
STORE in Cando, N. Oak, during the
past two Years on a strictly Spot cash
basis. A great nan other merchants
, over the state have likewise been sue
ccssful in the conduct Of their bust
ness during the PAST few years.
, II want again to advise all the
members of the association to adopt
strictly modern. up-to-date methods
in the conduct of their business. put
ting on a strong advertising campaign
and selling for cash ,yor on a strictly
! thirty day basis. All merchandise
that is consumed. should be paid for
in cash. while merchandise that tn.
(, title may remain in the seller. can be
sold on time-but under. no c~onsidera-
ton should merchandise be sold or
the; open book plan to run over thirty
days.
THE iobbers and manufacturer:
are perfectly willing to assist the re
tailers in every way to- tide over this
j present financial crisis. but 1t is i'm
possible for then to furnish the mer'
chants with merchandise who canno
T; pay for the same and who are goins
/ to put it out under the open book &C
count system of credit. This is thu
time when all merchants should Gu
down their expense Of doing bushes
to the very lowest possible point, bu.
their merchandise carefully, carr,
small stocks. but keep them complete
by frequently r~e-order:ng. confin'
their accounts to as few houses a
possible and sell merchandise on a
small a margin Of profit as they pos
sibly cam. for it is known, and recog
nized by all that the buying nowe
of the average consumer Of North Da
kota is at a very low point.
Il do not believe in taking a pes
simistic attitude at this time, as W
all know the great state Of North Da
kota will come back, possibly quicke
i than any other state in the Union
and we should all be optimistic an,
look on the bright side and plan TO
better things in the future. thinl
the greatest need Of all the people,
merchants, farmers and consumers
is to do things better. to merchandise
better, farm better. buy better. in fac
to use better business methods tina,
we. have ever Used before. This vii
bring prosperity to us all Quicke
than any other one thing.
Il 9" Respectfully yours.
- Fired p. Mann. Pres