Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-28

a result of excellent collaboration with
vile. KY, thorough survey of the
grocery business is being conducted in
that city.
This. 1 believe, is the most compre-
hensive attempt ever made to study
the distribution of commodities. The
task consists of several parts-includ-
ing a market analysis of the City of
Louisville and the surrounding territory;
a study of the credit conditions and
bankruptcies in grocery stores there; a
complete census of food distribution In
the city, including all types of outlets;
cost analysis to 10 wholesale and man.
ufacturing establishments and a similar
analysis of 28 retail grocery stores. The
survey has developed a great number of
interesting facts, which have not time
to mention in detail
Survey Of Credit Methods.
During this past year a comprehen-
sive survey of retail credit methods has
been carried on by the Department of
Commerce. The result show the per-
centages Of goods sold for cash, on
charge accounts and on the installment
plan. They point the way to the avoid
Some time ago, the department, in
collaboration with local business bodies.
carried out experimental censuses of
distribution in IL American cities.
Many arresting facts were brought to
light with respect to the character of
ownership of stores, the annual earn
ings; confusion and Overlapping" in
the handling of seemingly incongruous
lines: the merchandise groups that
VAcicfAHfV1n q
gains. and the numerous peculiaritieS
of local consumer preferences.
The facts that are coming to light
in these studies into the cost of dis
tribuition and credit are. in many
cases, unexpected even by the bust
ness men directly concerned. The
weak spots in our distribution machin-
cry are being recognized, to degree
at least Possible economies are being
chants in a better competitive posi-
ton. Facts helpful to all business men
have been discovered in the analyses of
the specific experiences and problems
of individual distributors. Some of
those facts are unpleasant, to be sure,
but it is better that business men should
know them and be guided accordingly
than to run into them blindly.
Department Is Qualified.
But the work must be done by body
which has the confidence of business
and which has no axe to grind. If
really constructive good Is to result. /
feel that the Department of Commerce
has both of these qualifications. and
we are glad that we are in position
to serve the industries of the Nation by
behalf OF business. Unbiased by per-
S0nal interest nOSSoSS facilitipS
which have been built up step bv step
on a solid foundation during the
pioneering efforts that I have cited.
AS I mentioned at the beginning CT
this talk. we purpose next year to ex-
tend this research work-in accordance
with the mandate of Congress-by
carrying out a Nationwide census of
merchandise distribution, through the
Bureau of Census in the Department
of Commerce.
This census is designed to show, for
the first time in the history of the
country, the value Of retail and whole
sale business by classes of stores, by
commodities, and by geographic units
for large percentage OF the total
sales.
The speaker who is to follow me In
this Radio Forum. Frederick M Feiker
will tell you more about the details OF
the undertaking.
We shall obtain, through this census,
a vivid picture Of the ways in which
merchandise moves in our American
business system. Shafts Of light will
be thrown upon many dark places. The
eventual result to be the elimination
Of countless wasteful practices in dis
tribution-crude. inept. prodigal prac-
tees that now levy toll Of millions of
dollars annually on the purses Of our
people.
Need for Census Long Recognized.
I think it should be clearly under
stood that this census Of merchandise
distribution Is not solely, or even
chiefly, an idea proceeding from the
officials of the Department Of Com
merce. The need for it has long been
realized by many prominent manufac-
turers, distributors and merchants, who
have urged it very strongly and have