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VOL. LXVIII. No. 25
Published Every Saturday by Edward Lyman Bill, Inc., at 373 4th Ave., New York.
June 21, 1919
,8ln"le Cople8 10 Cent.
$2.00 Per Year
The Viewpoint Is Steadily Broadening
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0 those in more or Jess close touch with the trade it has long been evident that the point ot view of the
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man.l,tfacturers, ,and particul~rly the retaile.rs, has been broa?ening steadily.. 'I'he welding together of
the 111dust ry, both for offensIve and defenSIve purposes, dUring the war period has served to take the
mind of the average retailer off his own troubles in order that he may do his share in considering and
endeavorinR to solve the problems of the industry as a whole, and which of necessity affect him as an integral
part of the industry.
This broader spirit has long been in evidence, and it was shown in concrete form at the recent conven
tions, 110t only in the subjects selected for discussion, but also in the manner in which they wer.~ .di.scussed. ·.
Take the question of trade-ins, for instance. Some of the biggest men in the retail trade were very frank in
the expression of their views on this all-important matter, and there were other questions that received equal
attention.
The tendency of trying to legislate against the other fellow ~vas not in evidence, the spirit being to build
up rather than tear down. There is no question but the big minds of the industry realized that the present
situation afforded an unexampled opportunity for c1eaninR house in anticipation of any possible reaction, and that
it was the course of wisdom to take advantage of the opportunity to the fullest extent to strengthen the business
foundation, gather in the loose ends and be prepared for any eventuality that may develop in business, expected
or unexpected.
So far as the trade-in matter is concerned, it is not overserious as a problem just now. Pianos and
player-pianos have been scarce, and it has not been found very difficult to. sell sec0nd-hand instruments at very
substantial prices, but when the output does catch up with the demand, and new instruments can be oQtained
in sufficient numbers to meet requirements, then the trade-in promises to again become acute. An effort to
solve the problem now so that the solution may serve to save money and trouble for the retailers later on is,
therefore, a matter of wisdom. It means building for the future-looking ahead.
The campaign to raise funds for the Chamber of Commerce through the assessment of twenty-five cents
a piano in itself is to be accepted as evidence of the new spirit that permeates the trade. Anyone who ten years
ago would have predicted that retailers themselves would suggest a plan to carry out such a movement would have
been condemned as a fal se prophet, and likely be regarded as suffering from mental trouble. The existing situation;
the willingness of the retailers to air their problems and discuss them openly and frankly; their willingness to
co-operate in carrying on the great work of music development; their progressive moves in all directions areal!
lI1aking trade history, and bring to mind the words of Raymond Hitchcock's song of some years ago:
"It was not like that in the olden days,
In the days beyond recall,
III the rare old, fair old, olden days,
It was not like that at all."
ChanRes have come fast in this industry of ours. They have emanated for the most part from outside
the trade, but have been forced in some instances by circumstances. Nevertheless they have come. The con
vention developments, and for that matter the activities of the past year, have been revolutionary only as they
contrast with the situation as it existed a decade ago. Whatever moves are under way, or have been planned,
are distinctly practical. The steps have been well thought out in advance, and successful results are prac
tically assured. It is simply a matter of applying- good business practice to association affairs, and some of the
stron,R<:>st d.sso('iation advocates "vill admit that during some past conventions good business practice has not
al", a ys obtained.
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