Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-02
DRY GOODS SALES
REACH YEAR'SP PEAK
Price of Wome1's Wear,
Down to 1914 Levels, Aid
Present Spring Volume.

Clothing Is queen Of the May, so far
as retail sales are concerned. This
month is expected to be the best retail
sales month for dry goods and de-
partment stores until the Fall ar
rives. The move already has begun
and can be expected to grow steadily,
at least until June Is. Preparations
for graduationS from schools and col
legeS and for late Spring weddings
have given the impetus.
The move has been helped materially
by the prices at which women's wear
is being sold. Fabrics OF every kind
and garments Of every description may
be had at prices which have not been
eoualed since 1914 and with these cuts
there has come no skipping of quality.
AS a result the textile manufacturers
face a much improved outlook, for
their stocks are low and rate Of pro-
duction is below that of orders booked.
The shoe manufacturers and retail
ers are maintaining the rate OF pro-
duction and distribution which forceo
the factories TO active operation earlier
In the year. The straw hat manulac-
turers will commence to see Their
products move from the shelves IN
another week and anticipate at least
a normal season. The vogue for the
very light felt hat which almost drove
the straws out of England has never
gotten a Arm hold here.
Expect Bigger Season.
The bathing suit business this sea-
son Is expected to exceed in volume
that of any other year, although IT
NAV not do so in dollar value. An
appreciable number of firms new TO
the business have arranged to put out
knitted lines and strong competition Is
to be anticipated.
The stocks of retailers in all these
lines are small. The factories have
not vet felt the real benefit OF the
Spring trade outlined above. but re-
orders are inevitable in the immediate
future and each increase OF business
will put more hands at work III trie
factories and mills.
II is definitely settled, in the MINDS
of Government officials and economists
at least, that the American people are
not going TO let business depression IN.
terfere with recreation. Resorts OF all
descriptions are in the throes OF &C
tivity in preparation for the coming
season. The crowds which have sought
Coney Island and similar places OF
amusement in all sections OF the coun-
try have encouraged resort owners ana
sales of paint, lumber, hardware ana
wallpaper have jumped in consequence
1t is probable, however, that the people
of this country will find their recreation
closer TO home this season than at any
time since the automobile came into
general use.
Rentals Holding Up.
Rentals Of cottages at seaside noun
tain and country resorts have been
fully as good as last year, but they nave
been made at rates we'll under those OF
1880. Resort real estate, however. mas
maintained its price levels remarkably
in most sections; Hotel reservations
have not been as large as usual in some
districts, but this is held TO be due as
much to the weather as TO O lack OF
possible patronage.
Sales Of most lines Of sport equipment
have been excellent in the last week.
but 1t Is noticeable that the articles OF
extremely high quality and price are
not attracting the attention they did In
former years. The department stores
and chain drug stores have cut deeI
into the business OF the sporting goods
stores, with lines of moderately priced
clubs, racquets, balls and other equip
ment. Attendance at outdoor sporting
events has never been better at THU
season of the year. Sales Of mctoi
boats and cupboard motors, however
have taken q drop more severe ever
than motor cars have suffered.
Operations Of the steel, building anc
automobile industries showed only minol
changes in the last week, but the vol
ume OF freight carried by the railroad!
is increasing. Production at the ic'
cream plants, the soft drink factories
and the candy-msking establishments Il
improving
(Copyright, 1s31)