The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

18 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. F. C. COCHRANE ENTHUSIASTIC Over His Visit to tlie Laboratory of the Indestructible Plionographic Record Co. — Recently Became an "Indestructible" Jobber — Chats of Conditions in Florida. F. C. Cochrane, of Cochrane's Book Store, Palatka, Fla., jobbers of Indestructible records, visited the laboratory and factory recently and was much astonished and impressed by the magnitude and perfection of the work which is being done by the Indestructible Record Co., who are constantly making improvements and perfecting their already well organized sj'stem. Cochrane's Book Store has only recently taken up the sale of phonograph supplies. They are the largest distributors of picture cards in the South, besides handling large quantities of stationery, notions and sundries. Of course their business is exclusively wholesale. Mr. Cochrane states that his business in Inde structible records has grown at the rate of 100 per cent, per month since he has taken on the line. He is very confident of doing a large business in these goods during the coming winter. In discussing the financial situation in the South he stated that although the price of turpentins and naval stores has fallen offl considerably, the pineapple and vegetable season has been a fairly good one, and the Florida merchants, while they are not doing their usual business, feel very hopeful for the coming season. THE TRADE IN BALTIMORE. Dealers Expect Fine Fall Business — Improvement Already Noticeable — Columbia Co. Salesmen Active — To Occupy New Quarters — Good Demand for "Star" Machines — What Other Dealers Report. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Baltimore, IMd.. August 4, 1908. If the talking machine business locally does not prove to be a record breaker in the way of sales this coming fall there will be a disappointed lot of dealers in this city. For they are a unit at the present time in predicting that there is every reason for a great season in the trade. Already, according to the majority of talking machine men, there are signs of an improvement over previous months, while not a few have gone so far as to declare that their business during July even surpassed that of the same month a year ago. Manager M. E. Lyle, of the Columbia Phonograph Co., says that both retail and wholesale trade for the month has shown an improvement. One of the company's expert salesmen, William O. Cooper, is traveling among the dealers in North Carolina, and the reports from that sec tion are very encouraging. The Columbia Co. have decided to move on August 15 into a new and more spacious building, just below their present store on West Lexington street. Manager Joseph A. Grottendick, of E. F. Droop & Sons, Howard street, near Saratoga, agents for the Edison and Victor machines and records, is away on his summer vacation. Mr. Roberts, who is in charge temporarily, states that the local trade has shown some improvement during the month and that the prospects are encouraging for good results in the fall. Reports from Fred Seheller, who is the local representative for the Star machines and records, are to the effect that business is improving right along and that he has every reason to look forward for an excellent fall trade. He is having particularly good results with the sentimental and popular song records. The talking machine business has been on the increase acording to W. A. Eisenbrandt, of H. R. Eisenbrandt's Sons, who handle the Victor machines. Records have also been in great demand all during the warm months. Similarly encouraging statements are made at Sanders & Stayman, who are agents for the Victor and Columbia machines. The firm have disposed of several machines during the past week, while the sale of the popular records has been brisk. There has also been a good demand for operatic records. A WONDERFUL LITTLE DEVICE. The Sherlock Stop Attachment for the Edison Standard and Home machines, manufactured by the Phono-trip Co., Toledo, 0., is certainly a wonderful little device. The personification of simplicity, it not only brings the phonograph to a higher plane of perfection from a practical standpoint, but adds materially to its appearance. The best thing about it is that it can be put on or taken off at will and does not in any way injure the cabinet. Dealers and jobbers should not fail to investigate this attachment, as it will have unquestionably a large sale, and the profit is more than adequate. See their advertisement in this issue. MRS. BLACKMAN GETS VICTOR-VICTROLA. In his happy speech at the banquet enjoyed by the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers at their annual convention held in Atlantic City, N. J., July 6 and 7, Louis F. Geissler, general manager of the Victor Talking Machine Co., Camden, N. J., was so pleased with the presence of the ladies that he offered a Louis XV. Victor Victrola, costing $300, to the member of the committee of arrangements who conceived this innovation, of which he heartily approved. It appears Mr. Geissler was satisfied that J. New comb Blackman, chairman of the committee, was entitled to the honor, and Friday last Mrs. Blackman was surprised on the receipt of the beautiful instrument at her home in Orange, N. J., "with the compliments" of the Victor Co.'s popular and capable general manager. GRAPHOPHONE STORE IN THE CLOUDS. Probably the highest graphophone store in the world is owned by H. G. La More, Silver Plume, Col. It is over 9,000 feet above the sea level, and as can be seen from the illustration, is literally built on the side of a mountain. We quote from a letter recently received from Mr. La More addressed to the Columbia Phonograph Co.: "Please send me window display No. 108 and place my name on your mailing list for new ones regularly as Issued. My store is above the clouds, but I have a nice little business that is getting bigger and better every day. I am positive that your window strips will be a big help." DEVELOP YOUR HELP. A man successful in affairs should be broad enough to look forward to a good landing for his later days. Either his son or another man's son should be brought up with an understanding of the underlying principles that guide the conduct of the business, with a view toward filling the captaincy when needed. Without such foresight, vacations are too luxurious to be possible and sickness is a menacing danger that shackles enterprise. You can dominate only while young and vigorous, as your business should ever be — but cannot be without constant infusion of new blood. The best merchant must recognize this and provide 'or it by tutoring before he himself becomes subject to precedent and tradition, which in time are as a rut: for conditions change rapidly and we are still in the formative stages of retailing development. The Be^t Value for Your Customer with Big Profits for You FR. HOTZ HARMONICAS To Retail rrom 10 Cents Each to $1.00 HTHE FR. HOTZ HARMONICAS were originally produced 80 years ago and have always been looked upon as being the first Harmonicas manufactured. During this long term of years the strictest attention has been paid to the perfect construction of the instruments, so that to-day the purchaser is assured of an excellence in Harmonica manufacture which lime only can acquire. We offer the best quality in our goods for the money and allow the dealer a big profit — no more, no less. Our 10-cent and 13-cent styles are in a class by themselves, they cannot be equaled. ASK YOUR JOBBER If he cannot supply you, we will refer you to one who can. A handsome catalogue with full prices and descriptions is at your disposal. Send for One HOTZ, ^'"^ Brondway. New York ^Canadlan Olllci-: 76 York Street. Toronto Factory: Knittlitigeu, Germany No. 05