The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

4 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. LOOK FOR BIG HOLIDAY BUSINESS ON PACIFIC COAST. Talking Machine Dealers and Jobbers Optimistic — Little Shortage of Stock Reported Outside of Edison Discs — Victor Goods Via Panama Canal — Sonora Phonograph Co. Incorporated— Clark Wise Expansion — Geo. W. Lyle a Visitor— The New Edison Shop. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) San Francisco, Cal., October 30. — Preparations for the approaching holiday season have demanded the attention of the local trade the past month, and from all indications dealers all along che Pacific Coast anticipate as good business for the rest of this year as they enjoyed during the corresponding period of last year, which in many instances was the best they had ever cared for. There is but little talk of shortage of stocks here this fall, except in the case of the Edison disc. Some new distributers of that product say they will be unable to fill their orders, but most of the other handlers do not anticipate difficulty in that respect this year, which is a great satisfaction in view of former experiences. Retail business in both machines and records is fully up to normal at present, and the higher priced products are in better demand than for some time. Geo. W. Lyle Visits Columbia Co. Branches. The local trade received a visit during October from Geo. W. Lyle, general manager of the Columbia Grophophone Co., who was making his annual tour of inspection of the company's Western interests. He was met in Spokane, Wash., by Walter S. Gray, Pacific Coast manager, who makes his headquarters at the San Francisco distributing depot, and they came down the coast together. After spending a few days in this city they left for the southern part of the State by automobile. They parted at Los Angeles on the 22d, Mr. Lyle proceeding homeward, via Salt Lake, Denver and Kansas City, and Mr. Gray coming back here a few days later. When here Mr. Lyle expressed great satisfaction over the condition of business as he found it at his company's branches in the Northwest and in this city. While in Portland, Ore., he closed a deal with the Carman Manufacturing Co., of that city, to make some cabinets for the Columbia concern, with a view of having all cabinets for the trade in the Northwest made at that point if the work compares favorably with the products of Eastern manufacture. Victor Goods Arrive Via Panama Canal. Andrew G. McCarthy, of Sherman, Clay & Co., who devotes particular attention to the Victor part of the business, is much encouraged over the way business has picked up in the last two or three weeks. He is now fairly sure of establishing a new record in his department again this year. If he succeeds in showing an increase over last year, it will mean that each year the company has handled Victor goods, a gain has been made over the preceeding year. A large shipment of talking machines arrived recently through the Panama Canal, and the company announces that this means of transportation will be used quite extensively by them from now on. Sonora Phonograph Co. Incorporated. The Sonora Phonograph Co. has been incorporated in California, with a capital stock of $75,000. The directors are Frank M. Steers, E. B. Folsom, F. Moulin, C. H. and J. B. Coffey. The place of business is at San Francisco, where quarters have been fitted up on the second floor of the Phelan building, under the management of F. B. Travers. As the name of the new concern implies, the company will handle the products of the Sonora Phonograph Corp., of New York. The different styles of Sonora machines are on display at the local warerooms, and both a retail and wholesale business will be done from this point. The line is practically new here. Dealers Stocking Up for the Holidays. Wholesale Manager F. R. Anglemeier, of the local Columbia branch, says his department experienced quite a rush in the last two or three weeks in filling orders from dealers in the country districts, who are now stocking up for the holidays. Dance records are again in big demand, as social functions are being resumed for the winter. Increasing Demand for Edison Products. Business in Edison products has been fine the past month, according to A. R. Pommer, proprietor of the Pacific Phonograph Co., which handles this line exclusively. He says there will be more trouble getting goods than selling them the rest of the year. He has been receiving very good reports from the travelers. J. E. McCracken covered the southern part of the State early in the month, and is now in the northwest. E. C. Howard, who gives full attention to the establishment of new agencies for the Edison disc product, is calling on the trade in the vicinity of Portland. More Space for Clark Wise & Co. Department. Alterations are in progress at the store of Clark Wise & Co. whereby the talking machine department will gain considerable more space and better facilities. The mezzanine floor is being extended several feet toward the front of the store and the offices will be moved upstairs, leaving practically the entire ground floor for the demonstration and sale of talking machines. The front of the room will be used for general display purposes, with a stairway leading up to the offices and piano department. The space under the new offices is being fitted up for a reception room and behind it will be installed seven sound-proof demonstration moms. The Victor, Columbia and Edison lines are handled by this company, and all will benefit by the store improvements. Higher Class Records in Demand. P. H. Beck, who operates the talking machine department on the mezzanine floor of the Kohler & Chase building, anticipates an excellent holiday trade. He says business this fall has been running way ahead of the corresponding period of last year. The demand for Red Seal records is a prominent factor of the business since the opening of the concert season, during which a number of Victor artists will appear here. To Feature Talking Machines More Extensively. J. T. Bowers & Son have arranged to feature their talking machine department more extensively. To this end they have engaged J. H. Burnett, formerly with the Graves Music Co., in Portland, to take charge of that part of the business. The Bowers company is one of the pioneers in the piano business here, but it was only recently that it added phonographs to its stock, taking on the Edison disc line exclusively. Clarence Anrys to Be Married. Clarence Anrys, son of Frank Anrys, general manager of the Wiley B. Allen Co., will be married on November 7 to Miss Evelyn Godeau, of this city. The groom-elect has been connected with the talking machine department since he became identified with the Allen Co. last year. Placing Victors in the Schools. C. E. Edwards and F. P. Corcoran, of the Wiley B. Allen talking machine department, have been conducting an active campaign for Victor talking machines in schools, and the former has just closed a nice contract with the schools of Richmond, Cal., and the latter has been successful in placing several Victrolas in the schools of Goldfield, Nev. New Edison Shop Attracts Much Attention. The new Edison Shop on Geary street is proving one of the centers of attraction for this city's music lovers. The store has only been open a few weeks, but in this short while has gained for itself an enviable position. A feature of the establishment is its perfectly harmonious appointments, which have been gained through the detailed perfection of its furnishings and decorations. A handsome concert hall has been fitted up on the mezzanine floor and the daily concerts have attracted many visitors to the store. H. P. Rothermel, manager of the talking machine department of Eilers Music House, says the principal feature of that business the past month has been the increased demand for higher-priced machines. He is stocking up for a big holiday trade. Service Is the Paramount Asset of a Victor Distributor The factory controls the Prices and Terms. The distributor controls his Service. This is the reason we have endeavored to make EASTERN SERVICE THE BEST EVER And we believe we have succeeded, and will convince you if you will give us the opportunity. A trial order will do. Will you do it? Thank you. When may we expect it? EASTERN TALKING MACHINE COMPANY 177 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON, MASS. EDISON FOR NINETEEN YEARS TALKING MACHINES EXCLUSIVELY VICTOR