Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-02-18
SHOE PRICES FIRM;
! BUSINESS IS GOOD
Advance Orders Promise Hiuh
= Rate of Production for
Several Weeks.
By j. C. ROYLE.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK, February 1S.-Inter-
ests closely allied with the leading
producers of upper feathers in this
country deny today that d merger of
leather companies is in contemplation.
Since this declaration was accom-
panied by statements that economies
might be put into effect in the pro-
duction and selling of leather by
means of such mergers, this is be
HeVed by many shoe and leather men
, 70 indicate a firm price tendency.
This strength in prices is expected to
continue in evidence in shoes.
This viewpoint is supported by the
strong technical position of leather.
Shoe manufacturers have had good
Winter and have been so successful
IN booking orders for the Eastern and
Spring trade that most factories are
assured of operation close to capacity
well into April.
Sport Shoes in Demand.
Style trends have been rather
clearly defined by the demand from
the Southern resorts. Sale of mems
shoes has been heavier all over the
country than q number OF years at
this season, and the dollar value of
the business done is we'll ahead of
that of the early months of 1925. The
hold which the open-air sports have
on the American people is clearly
shown in the advance orders for sport
shoes for the Spring and Summer.
The business of the makers Of
women's shoes indicates that even
after the Easter orders are filled plant
activity will continue. But margins
of profit will be slightly narrower
than year ago, since high prices for
leather used in womenS shoes have
raised production costs. Rubber heels
are costing more than a year ago and
this is leading to a popularity for the
leather heel.
Hides Are Cheaper.
Hides have been weak recently,
showing drops of 20 to % per cent
from the levels of last Fall This Is
attributed in some quarters to cur
tailment of tannery operations. Then.
too, the usual hide take-off during
the Winter months is of poor quality. |
and this has a depressing tendency.
However. the stocks of hides avail |
able are we'll under those Of a year |
ago. The number of cattle now being
slaughtered is well below that of last
year, and no very heavy additions to |
supplies are likely for some months |
10 come. Stocks of leather also are |
small.
The Widespread popularity of !
glazed kid for women's shoes has
brought advances in price for that |
product, and has cut down supplies |
until some tanners are sold several |
months ahead of actual production. |
Consumption of sole feathers prem |
ises to be heavier than that of 1925. |
TANNERS appear to be in a stronger |
position as regards earning pros
pects than at any time in five years. |
Better Factory Relations.
A better understanding prevails be-
tween employers and employees in the
New England shoe factories than in
many years. This is aiding develop
nent of individual efficiency and
holding down operation costs.
Foreign markets for leather have
been curtailed to American tanners
since the war. Russia, formerly a
heavy purchaser. is turning to the
use of tractors for farm power re-
quirements. German competition now
Is assuming strong proportions in the
European markets.
Copyright. 1920