Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-11
Business Notes
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, July 11.-Retail trade
did not reveal much improvement in
the closing half of the week, with the
entire period thus showing distinct
let-down. as compared with the week
preceding July 4. Retail executives
in New York were wont to place the
burden of the poor showing on weather
conditions, especially the high humid
ity which has prevailed. While sales
were disappointing in almost all lines,
it was noteworthy, it was said, that
those departments which showed up
we'll prior to July Fourth managed to
report fair sales totals.
Several of the leading lines of mems
straw hats for the 1882 season were
opened during the week, showing re-
auctions of from to 10 per cent below
last years opening quotations. The
largest cuts we're made on the higher
priced panamas. In addition to reduced
prices, most manufacturers introduced
lower price ranges to take care OF the
demand for cheap hats.
A sharp squirt in the volume of sales
of cotton clothing for June. as COM
pared with a year ago. was reported
by the International Association of
Garment Manufacturers. and for the
first time since the beginning of the
year more than so per cent of the
sales were equal to or ahead of those
of 1880.
Active buying. encouraged by the
substantial discounts offered last month,
has cleared the stocks of fiber rug
manufacturers and there will be no
additional goods offered in August, ac-
eording to reports In the trade in New
York. Recognizing the present season
would present difficulties in the sale of
merchandise at regular prices the rug
producers departed from custom sew
eral weeks ago and offered their stocks
at discounts as high as IS per cent.
slightly improved confidence on the
part of dry goods retailers throughout
the country Is reflected in increased pur-
chases by jobbers in the Wall Street
market, according to trade comment.
The gains have not been of SUFFICIENT
volume to indicate that wholesalers feel
that an upturn in business has been
initiated. but at least they show that
jobbers are slightly more confident of
the price situation. it was said.
Little activity developed this week in
the placing of Fall orders for silks.
The dress trade has increased its COM
mitmentS slowly, in close accord with
the orders placed for ready-to-wear by
buyers visiting the New York market.
The Fall price situation meanwhile
continues to reflect the continued
liquidation of Summer merchandise. the
remainder Of which is being slowly
absorbed.
The influx of buyers into the New
York wholesale chinaware market this
week resulted In numerous orders. for
sales merchandise, but brought little Ia
the way Of commitments for regular
Fall goods. Dinner sets with plates.
saucers, small dishes and platters made
UP in square shapes were wanted by
buyers. Selling agents believe these sets
will remain outstanding items in the
Fall buying.
AS a result of the stringent shortage
of mems Summer clothing in the whole
sale markets during the last month. a
revision of buying policies on the part
of retailers for the 1892 season was
forecast in the trade Hitherto the
Summer clothing department has been
regarded as somewhat of "stepch;sd
in most stores. The sharp increase in
the popularity of Summer wear during
the past several years, eliminating "a
the current active period, however, has
indicated the need to retailers of pas
ing greater attention to this division.
market observers pointed out.