Year: 1875




understood that we are passing through
period of business depression, and that in
every direction merchants are reducing
expenses to keep within the limits of re-
duced profits. This no doubt, is the order
of the day through the country at large,
and yet there are exceptions. One of the
most notable coming under our observation,
of late is the occasion of this article. The
northwest corner of Eighth and Market
streets has long been known as one of the
busiest corners of the State, and the
amount of business transacted there has
apparently been limited only by the store.
That such has been the case is now shown
by the fact that during the past summer
(popularly supposed to have been dull
time) the firm of Strawbridge & Clothier
to their establishment which is now COM
plete and thrown open to the public.


We visited the enlarged store of these
gentlemen day or two since and were much
impressed by the organization they exhibit
and great preparations they have made for
the business of the coming season. Not
only has their establishment been enlarged,
but entirely remodelled. The first floor is
handsomely lighted by beautifully y-arched
skylight, which gives the buyer at all times
a plentiful supply of light in which to make
his selections from the immense stock of
silks, dress goods, cloths, hosiery, &C.
which are here displayed in seemingly
endless profusion. Familiar as we have
been for years with the appearance of the
store. so greatly is it improved and so
entirely remodellcd that it seems hard to
recognize it. Passing to the lower floor
tone of the best known salesrooms in Phila-
dclphia) we find it also newly fitted up and
in complete order for the fall campaign.
In this room, at almost all seasons of the
year, Is presented an appearance of activity
which can scarcely be found elsewhere.
Here the substantial and staple articles,
such as blankets and quilts, muslins and
shcetingS, wool and cotton hannels, house
furnishing linen goods, &c, &C., are dis
trihuted among CONSUMERS in almost fabu-
lous qualities. The sale of this class of
articles is scarcely affected by dull times,
for they are among the necessities of every
houshold. We have often been interested
by the busy scene this room almost always
presents. and now, more than heretofore, it
exhibits an attractive appearance not only
to the thrifty housckceper. but to the
general observer.


Passing again through the first floor, and
ascending massive and beautiful stairway
To the second story. totally different view
is presented. THIS room is devoted 10 the
sale of shaw!S, ladies suits. sacques, &C.,
and is one OF If not the hanlsomest sales
rooms IN Philadelphia Carpctcd and fur
ni>hcd throughout in 4 manner bctitting a
parlor rather than salesroom Viewed by
the old standard). it presents an appearance
highly attractive and interesting, but which
our space will not allow us to do Justice to.
The establishment Of Strawbridge &
ClOthier does credit to our city, and, while
not in any way pretentiouS. is one of the
best known and most popular of om
business houses. As we leave the house
thronged with busy buyers, every floor pre-

senting an appearance Of activity totally
out of accord with panic and depression
the question cannot but arise in our minds
Why is it that this house should be com
PEELED to enlarge its borders at a time like
this of general depression? Why is it thai
while retrenchmcnt is the order of the day
and the cry of dull business is coming III
from almost every quarter, this firm should
be compelled, in place of retrenchment t.
enlarge and extend?


The answer is obvious: Reliability il
dealing, without which no permanent sue
cess can be achieved-then, immense facili
ties for transacting business, for tappin
foreign and domestic markets alike, ant
gathering under their roof direct from til
producer all that the consumer may nee
in their line, and uniformly distributin
them at one small profit over cost of pre-
duction. Years ago this firm commence
business with the intention of carrying OF
this idea, and that they have succeeded
the confidence evinced by this communit
and their constantly growing success attes


1t is perhaps superfuous to advise OF
readers to take an early opportunity to ca
on Messrs. Strawbridge & Clothier al
inspect their new and beautiful store-
DII.