The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-12-12

- pa PONCA ACA Viz
The lateness of Thanksgiv-
ing this year and the, fact
that the day preceding Christ
mas is a Sunday shortened
the shopping season.
But from the first weeks indica-
tons merchants were optimistic Of
exceeding last years volume and
dollar business for the season.
Only one city. St Paul, reported
a drop both in dollar and sales vol
ume under year ago.
Christmas Funds Expected
All the cities polled in the survey
expect to provide Christmas funds
as usual-some through community
funds, some through newspaper
good fellow" drives, others through
the Salvation Army and Volunteers
of America, and through churches,
lodges, and civic organizations. So
far, contributions are about the
same as last year
These charity organiza tons prob
ably will average about the same as
last year in the amount of funds
distributed.
Denver-Three leading department
stores report business increase of
25, lis and % per cent. Two lead
| r. 4ORo E..
will be 60 and % per cent above
1882. All optimistic over business,
better than in years.
Minneapolis sales about
same as last year but dollar volume
higher due to higher prices. Mer-
chants estimate season will be
slightly behind last year due to
shortened pre- Christmas period.
Salvation Army funds up to 1882
| figures, Volunteers of America be-
hind.
Sales Up in New York
New York-Three leading stores
reported sales increase from last
year in both volume and dollar
total. Repeal credited by some for
helping business in general and
Christmas buying particularly.
Atlanta-Large department stores
report shopping a whole lot bet
ter" Gain has been noticed for
three weeks. Salvation Army says
response to giving appeals much
better this year, and more enthusi-
aStic.
BoStOn-Severa1 stores report buy
ing Is per cent higher than last
year; department stores about l per
cent behind year ago, but upward
trend seems developing. Total vol
ume expected to be as good or
slightly better than last year. We'll
fare organizations have not launched
Christmas drives.
Chicago-Retailers agreed that
shopping is about 20 per cent above
1882 and estimate total will run Is
to 20 per cent higher for season.
Salvation Army contributions in the
eleven central states above 1882,
Cleveland Sales Increase
C1eveland-Unit sales higher this
year, dollar volume slightly less.
More small wage earners buying
gifts. Department stores up 10 to
IS per cent in sales. Newspaper
Christmas funds about same as last
year, with fewer large gifts and
more small contributions.
Dallas-First week of December
showed % per cent business gain.
Merchants expect seasons business
to be Is per cent higher. Charity
drives report more giving but fewer
large gifts. Total expected to show
gain.
Detroit-One large department
store finds business volume averag-
ing IS to 20 per cent above last
year. Community fund tagging l
per cent, expected to wind up about
the same as last year Salvation
Army contributions dropped sharp
ly after Dec. 6, without explanation.
Kansas City-Dollar business
since Nov. IS is 5 per cent behind
1882, but volume larger. Sales per
unit about 20 per cent higher, be-
lieved due to greater buying power
of wage earners under NRA Char
ity drive officials say it is too early
to estimate appeal response.
Pittsburgh Expects Big Volume
Pittsburgh-Volume of business
expected to exceed 1882, perhaps by
20 per cent. Christmas funds prob
ably will equal last years.
Philadelphia-La stores report
about 10 per cent increase in BUSH
ness, expect a slightly larger total
volume this year. Welfare fedora
ton drive, extended a month, is
still short of goal.
San F'rancisco-TwO leading de-
partment stores report business "a
little better Moderately priced
articles selling better, but EXPENSIVE
| goods tagging. Community chest
raised 928 per cent of quota, CONF
pared with SO per cent last year.
Seattle-Shopping 10 to Is per
cent ahead of 1882. Total expected
to be 5 to 10 per cent higher. More
buyers indicate greater spread in
pay rolls. Charities have not start
ed drive, but anticipate larger funds
this year.
st. Louis-Volume OF sales slight
ly higher; seasons total expected to
J be higher. Usual charity contribu-
fions expected