The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 51 Margarete Matzenauer, leading contralto of the Metropolitan Opera House, has just made her first Columbia records. (Write for "Music Money," a book "full of meat" for those Columbia GraptlOptlOIie Company dealers interested in quick and frequent turnover of capital.) Woolworth Building, New York FRESH PROOFS OF ENTERPRISE IN SAN FRANCISCO. Rearrangement of Talking Machine Stores, Attractive Displays, New Quarters All Tell the Story of Prosperity in the Talking Machine Field — Depression . Has Affected These Establishments Less Than Any Other Line of Business — What Dealers Say. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) San Francisco, Cal., December 5. — General improvements in the talking machine quarters of this city in the past year are one of the best bits of evidence that that branch of business suffered less from the general depression, which has been felt more or less all over the country, than most other lines of trade. There is hardly a talking machine department here, but what has undergone changes recently, and two new places have started in the last few months. The Hauschildt Music Co. is the latest concern to seek new quarters, which will give it much better facilities for all branches of its business, and particularly the talking machine department. The remodeling of the ground floor of dark, Wise & Co. has just been completed. The new' Edison Shop on Geary street is a notable addition of this fall ; the department on the ground floor of Eilers' Music House isn't much older, and only last month the opening of headquarters here for the Sonora Phonograph Co. was reported. It hasn't been very long since Sherman, Clay & Co. had their entire third floor, which is devoted to talking machines, done over, and not many months have elapsed since the Pacific Phonograph Co. moved its jobbing business from Mission street to new quarters on Geary. In each instance the moves and changes were in the nature of improvements, and at the present time San Francisco can well be proud of her talking mach'ne headquarters. Judging from reports from various interests, business has warranted the forward strides. While other merchants have been complaining very few complaints have emanated from talking machine sources, and holiday trade is starting in quite briskly. The distributers are being rushed, and retailers are already holding a good many outfits for Christmas delivery. Hauschildt Music Co. in New Quarters. The new location of the Hauschildt Music Co. is at 105 Kearny street, in the same block with Sherman, Clay & Co. and the Wiley B. Allen Co. The store was formerly occupied by the old firm of Benj. Curtaz & Sons. The company moved in last week, but the remodeling of the premises is st'll in progress. The talking machine department is located on the ground floor, where five demonstration rooms are being installed. These will be absolutely sound-proof, and they are so arranged that four others can easily be added at a future date, if business warrants. There is also ample room for general display purposes. The building is a four-story and basement structure, 30x130 feet, which provides nearly 20,000 square feet of floor space. Offices have been installed at the rear of the ground floor, and the small goods department will occupy part of the floor in conjunction with talking machines. The second and third floors are being fitted up for piano and player-piano salesrooms. The fourth floor will 'be utilized for shop purposes, and the basement for storage. When the work in progress is completed, the store will present an attractive appearance, and will be conveniently arranged for both customers and employes. Henry Hauschildt, head of the company, who spends most of his time at the Oakland store, says they have been enjoying an excellent business in talking machines at both locations. He handles Victor, Columbia and Edison goods, and he reports the demand increasing rapidly for Edison disc products. • Demonstration Room for Sonora Co. A demonstration room was installed at the Sonora Phonograph Co.'s quarters on the Arcade floor of the Phelan building the past month, and other improvements have been made in the furnishings and equipment. Manager F. B. Travers reports business starting off encouragingly, and he expects to work up a nice business on the Pacific Coast for Sonora products. Clark, Wise & Co. Store Remodeled. Since remodeling their store, Clark, Wise & Co. have very attractive talking machine parlors on the ground floor. The remodeling called for the installation of three more demonstration rooms and a reception room, which gives the place a home-like appearance and takes away the decided store atmosphere, making it comfortable for patrons to come in, rest awhile, and listen to the new records without feeling obligated to purchase. Mr. Wise thinks this feature will lead to an increased sale of records, however. This room is situated under the extension of the mezzanine floor, and is furnished with writing desk, settees and other conveniences. Excellent Outlook in the North. Andrew G. McCarthy, who looks after Sherman, Clay & Co.'s Victor 'business, returned a short time ago after a visit to the company's interests in the Northwest. He reported business slightly improved in the Northern cities, and is enthusiastic over the firm's new store in Spokane, Wash., which will be ready for occupancy either just before the holidays or just after. He says business is booming in the wholesale department here. Four carloads of Victor goods arrived a few days ago, and three of them were reshipped to their branch stores and other dealers, whom they supply, on the following day. Retail business is gaining impetus also as the holidays approach. M. Dorian Arranging for Columbia Exhibit. M. Dorian, treasurer of the Columbia Graphophone Co., has been in San Francisco since November 1. He has charge of arrangements for the company's exhibit at the exposition, and has devoted most of his attention while here to preparations for the display. From all indications, his firm plans to make an elaborate showing. He is optimistic regarding prospects for the remainder of this year and next. He called on the trade in the Northwest en route here, and was well pleased with the reports submitted by Columbia connections in Portland, Seattle and Spokane. He says the San Francisco agency has made a splendid record this year, more business having been done in the first ten months than during the entire year of 1914. He expects to leave for home early in December. New Manager for Emporium Department. A change has taken place in the management of the Emporium music department, Harry Marcus succeeding A. A. Schell. Mr. Marcus comes from Pittsburgh, where he was manager for Jacob Doll & Sons, and prior to taking that position was connected with the trade in New York. This is his first experience on the Pacific Coast, and he arrives with the intention of bringing the talking machine and piano business of the Emporium up to the highest possible standard. Columbia goods are handled by this firm exclusively. Mr. Schell has not announced definite future plans. IN CHARGE OF NEW LANDAY STORE. Benj. Landay has been appointed manager of the new Victor store of Landay Bros., Victor distributers at 23 West Forty-second street, New York, which was formally opened on Monday of this week. Mr. Landay, although comparatively young in years', thoroughly understands the principles of high-grade Victor merchandising, having been connected with his brothers in the conduct of other Victor stores in the Landay Bros.' chain. Don't loaf around waiting for good luck. Buckle down and compel good luck to come a-running. Many a man who fails to score in this world says the tally sheet is wrong. WE BUY Talking Machine NOTES LEASES AND CONTRACTS From Responsible Dealers & Manufacturers EMPIRE SECURITY CO. Harris Trust Bldg. CHICAGO