Radio today (Jan-Mar 1939)

PROFITS IN DISCS Specialized promotion on records highly successful Consistent promotion of records and combinations has made it possible for the Hamman Music Shop, 206 N. Liberty street, Baltimore, to develop and build up a large record and combination business. It has become a recognized retail leader in the record field. At first a small section on the first floor was given over to record activities. But with the recent growth in record activity, the Hamman store decided to open a new department in which would be featured records, such accessories as needles, and also lower-priced combinations. The record department was constructed in the basement and airconditioned by a three-ton Carrier weathermaker having a duct system leading to eaeh of the six soundproof demonstration booths. Customers can adjust a manually-operated exhaust and intake grill to suit themselves. The exhaust completely eliminates smoke in the booths. 700 safes a day Since the opening of this department about a year ago, the store transacted more than 25,000 cash sales, or an average of more than 100 a day. These sales do not include the larger combinations which are sold through the radio department located on the first floor. Such a volume of over-the-counter sales in a year is an enviable record to hang up. Hamman's Music Store always effects a tie-up with the frequent RCA Victor record promotions and advertising. In addition the store has arrangements with two of the major broadcasting stations in Baltimore for "plugs" during morning spot programs. In these "plugs" the listeners are informed that the newest and latest in records such as they have been hearing can be obtained at Hamman's Music Store. Complete stock The store sells all leading makes of records, including Decca, Brunswick, Columbia, Vocalion as well as the RCA Victor line of albums, Bed Seal and Bluebird records. A complete stock of popular recordings and classics is carried, particularly the "Hit Parade" numbers, which are in greatest demand. A daily check is kept on the stock to make sure that the store is not out of any favorite record. The perpetually complete inventory enhances the good will of the store, for at all times they have just what the customer wants. Custom-built combinations Hamman's carries leading makes of combinations, including the Magnavox and Ansley. The latter can be had in custom-built cabinets and of special woods. Many customer; s, particularly women, desire a combination in special woods and colors or color schemes to harmonize, blend or match with the furniture in the room for which the instrument is intended, states Fred B. Hamman, Jr., record manager. This service we can render with the Ansley, and we enjoy an appreciable volume, which supplements our large sales in leading brands. The special air-conditioned department has been a big help in boosting sales, particularly of records. The six sound-proof booths, each of which has comfortable accommodations for four persons, makes it possible for customers to spend as much time as they wish hearing the newest recordings without feeling rushed in any way. The major portion of the record business enjoyed by Hamman's is with the youth of today, who have gone "swing" in a big way. "NEVER'S" FOR RECORDS The newcomers among the record fans are asking dealers for advice on how to keep their discs in good shape. Here's a set of practical rules: 1. Never handle the recorded part with your fingers. Your hands have perspiration on them at all times and this should never get into the grooves. 2. Never leave your records in a damp place. They are subject to mildew. 3. Never leave them near a fireplace or a heater, as they will warp easily. 4. Never keep them where they can collect dust. These rules are suggested by Peter Grey, Inc., Thirteenth Ave., at 2029, Oakland, Calif., maker of Kacti needles. TOUR SELLS DISCS RCA dealers are urged to time their record promotion with the musical tour of Benny Goodman's swing band. Appropriate newspaper and program advertising, window and store displays, and spot radio announcements are being used to cash in on the "King of Swing" publicity. Half of the tour is already completed. Other dates are: Philadelphia, Feb. 10-16; Newark, Feb 17-23; Detroit, Feb. 24-March 2; Indianapolis, March 3-9; Pittsburgh, March 10-16; Washington, March 17-23. Hamman's stream-lined record department; 100 sales a day cross this counter, as part of the new boom for recordings throughout the country. Paul E. Southard, formerly an RCA-Victor merchandise specialist, was put in charge of distributor and dealer operations for American Record Corp. Mr. Southard entered the record field 14 years ago with Brunswick-Balke-Collander Co. 32 Radio Today