The Washington times., 1925-09-04

10 what ne LuOuSLlL VI IhC BUSINESS
outlook for the fall and winter In
Washington, F. w. Brake, vice
president and general manager OF
the Paiais Royal, said: II am more
optimistic regarding general busi-
ness conditions in Washington at
present than / have been in years.
Mr.. Brake has had a career OF
wide experience in the mercantile
field, extending from the Pacific
coast to the Atlantic. He knows
the country and its reaction to
conditions which effect trade as
well as any man in the department
store business. Thi, with his inti-
mate study Of local conditions,
makes his opinion of especial value.
Continuing. Mr.. Brake said: The
fundamental causes which, for
time, put a restraining hand upon
business have, to a considerable ex-
tent. been dispensed with and 1t Is
apparent that there is a general
upward trend in all lines in practi-
cally every section or the country
WASHINGTON" continued Mr.. Brake,
faces conditions which are diff
ferent from those found in all
other cities.
Period of Depression Gone
There is a large class of Gov
eminent employees here who, under
normal conditions, are good spend
ers. That is. they. have an assured
income and are able to regulate
their expenditures with more or
less certainty"
"The period of depression" said
Mr.. Brake, which affected both
the buyer and the merchant is
gone and business is now proceed.
ing on a normal basis. There has
been a decided upward trend in
business in Washington in recent
weeks and our business has shown
a most gratifying increase during
the past month. ] am satisfied
that the fall and winter trade will
be excellent.
at is increasingly evident" said
Mr.. Brake, that public confidence
In the economic stability OF the
country at large is having its eff
feet upon the entire business fab
ric of the nation. This is reflected
in the healthy tone of the mercan-
tile business everywhere. This pub
lie confidence Is influencing big in
dustries, it is making possible in
dustrial expansion and increased
business investment, which, in turn,
make possible better business"
1.-THE average store today is not
overcrowded with merchandise,
continued Mr.. Brake. This is the
result of past depression that has
fostered a policy of hand.to-mouth
buying. Most stores have been
cautious in regard to their stocks
and are now in a position to place
large orders with manufacturers.
oh, -%iv lat
ufacturing and further intensity
production and employment"
Business Improving
while business has kept it's feet
on the ground" said Mr.. Brake,
actually business is a good deal
better than it has been for several
months, considering the season of
the year, and there has been a de-
cided Strengthening of public con-
fidence. l have never been more
optimistic over the future of Wash
ing than l am at the present time,
and we shall continue our policy of
expansion to meet the increasing
demands Of the Washington public.
There has been a continued and
sustained improvement in business
conditions in the District Of Column
bia since the war, and the future
outlook for Washington and the
contiguous territory from the stand
point of development is brilliant.
This will, obviously, be a continu-
ing factor in upbuilding the COM
mercial structure of the city," con-
cluded Mr.. Brake, land, consider
ing all elements that enter into the
commercial life OF the National
Capital, I can see nothing but splen-
did business prospects for the i'm
mediate future. believe we will
have an exceptionally prosperous
fall and winter season, and we are
making our plans in accordance
with this belief"