The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1922-06-20
IHE BUSINESS OUTLOOK

BUSINESS in the United States improves
steadily, aud the improvement of recent
months has become more rapid, according
10 a survey summary issued by the National
Retail Dry Goods association IN It's June review
Of trade.
According 10 this. review the figures at the
beginning Of May demonstrated decided better
ment in retailing. As compared with April of
last year. the figures assembled ON April 30 IN
the IL federal reserve districts from 46l depart
ment stores showed a decrease in sales values
Of only g Of / per cent. Since April, 1921,
practically all prices Of merchandise in depart
ment store lines have markedly declined, so
that the actual sales volume, as well AS the
number of sales transactions, made large gain
IN Arril, 1922. Some, but by no means all Of
these gains are attributed to postponenent into
April Of much Of the March trade because Of
bad March weather and also TO the coming. this
year, in April Of Easter, a potent seasonal buy
ing factor.
BY classes Of retailers, the greatest gains
were made by department stores and the great
est declines in sales volume by mail order
houses. Not only did the department stores in
crease 9.6 per cent over March. 1922, but they
gained 90 per cent over April, 1921. Mail
order houses dropped ~ per cent below March,
1922. and 81 per cent below April, 1921. In
creasing business Is noted in 5 and 10-cent chain
stores, and grocery chains slightly more than J
per cent during April as compared with the
month preceding. Chain drug stores fell off in
April. a fraction Of ! per cent from March.
The increased stability Of prices, quoted N
the Association Is May Review. embracing trade
conditions covering the spring season, has since
been noted By The u. s.. department of com
merce and the deduction is drawn that very
encouraging ~auguries are warranted from the
fact that business is advancing in less spec
taeular but more substantial manner.
A. f..tn.r Ia ~. ..NnlfneH an fnrea fhig
broad conclusion. The decrease in failures,
noted in the May Review Of Trade, continues.
From May | 20 May ~, they dropped to l,96O
~ compared with 2,167 during April, with
liabilities Of only ~, 402 $50 as against April's
Total Of $73,05s, GIT. This is a reduction in
humber Of 9.5 per cent and in amount OF about
40 per cent.
Building activity, AZ reported by the
Bnrean of Economies Of the National Lumber
Manufacturers association june l, IS nearly
double the normal volume-ig9 per cent, TO be
exact The significance of this revival extends
beyond the satisfaction OF the nation urgent
need Of housing Of all kinds and, as applying
ID one 81 the key indusirief, Is significant OF
wide release Of funds and greatly increased con
fidtnce in the future. Taken IN connection
with April lumber shipments IL per cent above
normal, &c per cent increase in bank clearings
and 80 PEI cent increase Of capital authorized
fn, hrn corporations, IL constitutes evidence
Tint the country u returning 10 Us stride IN
varied fields Of production and trade.
The post office department, in its postal re-
cc,nls. affords impressive eorroboration. Fifty
IA; ~. sliow an increase for May over last year
~ q E1a. 157. 10, or Az per cent, whereas May
1921. fell Ell Las per cent from the postal re
ooip<s.of May 1920 "
orain prnapeets. according 70 U. $. govern
,up,,f ex,,rrt opinion as late ~ june 2, are for
81 america picnteous and thriving. although
T..rAz< may hs n straits for food. The winter
&G1,| <1<,n estimate here Is for ooo.noo.nW
b..hc,x. Exceeding that Of 1921, while spring