The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

4 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. WHAT PLANS HAVE YOU MADE FOR 1909? It Time to Set to Work and Prepare a Policy of Progress That Will Advance Your Business and Augment Your Bank Account? — The Depression Is Past and All Live Men Are Looking to the Future — Some Remarks in This Connection. Isn't Well, what plans have you made for 1909? Have you dreamed of a year's business total that will be a record, and prepared to realize that dream by every means in your power, or are you one of those who despairingly cry that the talking machine business is going to the dogs? There are those among the dealers who declared, earlier in the year, that they were convinced that the talking machine was in reality a fad, but the quick revival of the trade with the returning prosperity has proven that the talking machine is an established musical instrument of permanent value, and the many new uses being constantly found for it in the fields of science, art and commerce tend to enhance that value. Not for several years have the various large companies offered so many live talking points as have been presented this year. The new attachments and records are calculated to revive any interest in the talking machine that has become dormant and not only create new enthusiasts, but to cause all customers to take added interest in their machines, owing to the special Inducements in records. It is hustle and not opportunity that the dealer THE TRADE IN LOS ANGELES. Election Has Very Little Effect on Trade — Sherman, Clay & Co. Receive Carload of Victors — Good Demand for Edison and Zonophone Records — Prepared for Heavy Holiday Trade — Other News Worth Recording. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Los Angeles, Cal., Dec. 6, 1908. The talking machine trade of Southern California was not greatly affected by the Presidential campaign unless it was responsible for the increased business of which some dealers boasted. Many other attractions have commanded a certain amount of public attention, but still no differences have been noticed. The fall activities are beginning to bud and the outlook is that of an overwhelming Christmas business. Sherman, Clay & Co. have received a second carload of Victor machines and are sending to the trade the new styles of Victor Victrolas. Manager Chas. Ruggles says he has the record stock in excellent shape and expects several large shipments of records, including the double-faced selections. The Southern California Music Co. are having a continual demand for the Edison Amberol goods and have placed a large standing order for monthly shipments from the factory for these goods. Several new Zonophone dealers are reported and a number of orders for large quantities of Zonophone records have been received. Their retail department is being enlarged to the extent of a new room for the demonstration of high class goods and when completed will be used for that purpose exclusively. Its fittings and finishings are to resemble those of a private living room so as to lose the effect of the ordinary salesroom. The removal to a large room on the fourth floor has greatly improved conditions for the repair department, which is now in a position to handle any number of jobs. The Edison Business I-honograph is to have a separate department with an expert in charge. The Geo. G. Birkel Music Co. have almost completed their plans for the holidays and are ready for the heavy Christmas trade. A noticeable feature recently added to their Victor department i.s a handsome 'collection of enlarged pictures of Red Seal artists. A splendid business has been coming their way with Victor "Crown" records, especially the ojieralic selections which are considered educators in leading to the sale of Rod Seal records. E.xlon's music shop now presents a very hand some appearance and is doing equally as handsome a talking machine business. will require in 1909. and it is high time that the opening campaign of the new year was planned and prepared for adoption. There is no surer way to create interest in a line of talking machines than to give frequent free recitals where your prospects may actually hear the music as produced in a proper manner and realize the desirability of owning such an instrument. Between selections it is well to have a competent salesman deliver a short lecture upon the new records and attachments while assistants pass through the audience offering the records for the examination of those who show sulBcient interest. An attractive program is also a necessity, for where a cheap one will be thrown away a handsome one will he preserved for a time at least and the advertising matter therein read over thoroughly. And the possibilities for attractive window displays are also greater than ever before, the new goods allowing for some interesting printed matter to be used. On the whole, Mr. Dealer, the talking machine is in prime condition to make new conquests in the realm of business, and it's up to you to get busy and do your share. The Wiley B. Allen Co.'s trade is on the increase at a lively rate and they have already started their holiday advertising. Their show windows present an elaborate display of Victrolas and Red Seal records. H. B. Hinman, who has been connected witn the trade in San Francisco as well as Los Angeles, is now in charge of the talking machine department of the J. B. Brown Music Co., which IS putting forth new efforts to increase its trade. The Los Angeles store of the Columbia Phonograph Co. leads the entire Coast for the period of November 1 to 15, both in wholesale and retail. This gain is looked on as exceptional considering San Francisco's past record. Wm. T. McKenna, recently from Chicago, where he was connected with the Dictaphone Co., has joined the Columbia Co.'s forces in this city. L. R. Jones has sold to Elxton's music shop a large number of his new record files in which they will keep their entire stock of disc records. Harry P. Rothermel is making his first trip to Southern California for Sherman, Clay & Co., whom he recently joined in San Francisco. Having traveled this section several years ago for other interests, he is thoroughly familiar with the trade, which is glad to see him once again. The appearance of the Victor Co.'s famous Red Seal artist Emilio de Gogorza in concerts in this city and surrounding towns has caused an increased demand for his records. All the dealers have featured him in their newspaper ads., and it is a noticeable fact that the talking machine is as good an ad. for him as he is for it. Most of the valley trade seems to be depending on the coming raias for its prosperity during the coming season. All are confident of the best year yet, regardless of weather conditions. R. Barcroft & Sons, Merced, the largest hardware firm in the valley, are new dealers who have started in the business with a complete line of Edison goods and a tray system for their record stock. When their plans are completed they will have the finest department in the valley. Homan & Co., Fresno, report a large increase in business since the raisin crop has been pooled in that vicinity. They have just placed an order with a Los Angeles jobber for a carload of disc and cylinder record cabinets. Their record for machines sold in one day is the best in the valley, they having sold 1 Victor Victrola, 1 Victor 6th, 1 Victor 5th, and 3 Edisons, 2 Triumphs and 1 Home. W. L. Sheibley, Reedly, has been obliged to enlarge his store with special rooms for his Edison department to accommodate his trade, which is growing by leaps and bounds. Thos. B. Watson, manager Oakland Graphophone Co., is negotiating to go into the talking machine business in Los Angeles in the near future. Hambergers have announced the opening of a talking machine department in their big department store through the daily papers. Ed. Borgum has returned from a trip North in the interest of the Southern California Music Co. THE WURLITZER CO. IN NEW YORK. Howard Wurlitzer Chats of New Store — Will Not Put in Talking Machines at Start — Will Exploit Automatic Instruments. Howard W.urlitzer, of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., Cincinnati, 0., was in New York last week, and called upon the manufacturers. The Wurlitzer Co., in opening their new store in New York, at 25 and 27 West 32d street, state they will not put in a talking machine stock at the start off, and will carry samples only. They propose to exploit an initial line of their automatic instruments, and later other goods. From current accounts their establishment promises to be a model in point of handsome fittings and elegant decorative effects. OUR— = VICTOR RECORDS Guaranteed Perfect We have arrangfcd for two entirelj' distinct and separate stocks of VICTOR RECORDS ONE RETAIL. ONE WHOLESALE. Bv this sj-stem we are enabled to guarantee our Wholesale Trade that they will receive' from us VICTOR RECORDS in absolutely the same condition they are supplied us bj the factory. NOT RECORDS THAT HAVE BEEN USED FOR DEMONSTRATING MACHINES; NOT RECORDS THAT HAVE BEEN PLAYED FOR RETAIL PROSPECTS HutAbsolutely New Unplayed Records We don't need to enlarge upon the advantages of this system. You will appreciate it. We originated the system of supplying tlie high-grade RED SEAL RECORDS IN SEALED ENVELOPES This i.-i aiipreciated by dealers in Victor Keconls. ami we are sure the new method of fillinjr wholesale orilers from it .stock which is in no way lonnecteil with our retail stock will be even more ai>preciate<l b\ them. If You Want New Records, Send Us Your Orders The Eastern Talking Machine Co., Bo^su^n?Mlfs! Original Distributers of Victors in New England LARGEST STOCK — BEST SERVICE Fifteen Years on Exclusive TalkinR Machine House