The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1915)

54 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. The Trade In Philadelphia And Locality (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Philadelphia, Pa., April 8. — March was "some month" in the talking machine business in Philadelphia. The business was limited to the amount of goods that could be obtained, and this was not alone true of conditions with the Victor dealers, but it applies also to the handlers of the Columbia and Edison. At the end of the month, the jobbers and retailers both found many good orders on their books that remained unfilled. In fact, in a few instances there are still some January delivery orders still waiting delivery. The last week of the month the situation eased up a little bit, but not to the extent of giving the dealers much encouragement. The dealers are entering the month of April, the first spring month, with most optimistic ideas "Pen your orders to Penn." You are assured of a close co-operation when you rely upon Penn Victor Service for your supply of Victor talking machines and supplies. We specialize upon Victor machines and records, offering a quick service in both. □ EN NT HONOGRAPH CO. 17 South 9th Street HILADELPHIA as to the business, and with the hope that the factories will be able to help them out more liberally than in March. As a rule, they are inclined to bear with the manufacturers, for they recognize that the business is so unprecedented that they feel that the manufacturers are not entirely to blame. The Pennsylvania Talking Machine Co., the local jobber and retailer of the Columbia, states that last month was the biggest month it has ever had, with the possible exception of the past December. Manager Walter L. Eckhart has been so close to the office since January 1, not only looking after the business here, but in Baltimore and elsewhere, that he found it n -cessary, about ten days ago, to go to Atlantic City until after Easter in order to get a much needed rest. In March the Pennsylvania Co. had the satisfaction of adding to its Columbia deal-'rs, besides the Cunningham Piano Co., of this city, the Clelenad-Simpson Co., of Scranton ; the Bethlehem Talking Machine, of Bethlehem, Pa.; the Easton Talking Machine Co., of Easton, Pa., and within the past few days another most important representation in this city, the Story & Clark firm. For some time, the Story & Clark firm has been handling the Edison, which it will still retain. Thomas K. Henderson, formerly the Columbia representative of this city, is the manager of the Story & Clark talking machine department. On Friday and Saturday of last week, the Pennsylvania Co. delivered a large quantity of machines and a complete line of records to this firm. The Pennsylvania Co. reports that it is just able to keep up, but not ahead in its deliveries, If it can get the goods, it expects April to be the biggest month that it has ever had. It also notes that collections are better, which looks as if general conditions in Philadelphia are getting better. Among their visitors the past week were John B. Cromelin, general manager, and E. M. Burns, first vice-president of the Columbia Co. ■ The call for Dictaphones is also active. Among recent big orders were those from the Public Ledger, newspaper, and the Delaware Underwriters' Association. The Louis Bnehn Co. have separated their talking machine and their Edison dictating machine business, and have opened a fine office and sales room for the latter at 837 Chestnut street. This new establishment was just opened the past week, and they expect to do very much better in the new location, as it is right in the direct thoroughfare of the business men. The new Edison dictating salesrooms are managed by George M. Austin, and they will add a few more salesmen to their staff. Among some of the large sales made in March were to the United Roofing Co., the Foote Mineral Co., Robinson, Marsh & Kauffman, attorneys; the Hydraulic Pressed Brick Co., the Alpha Knitting Mills, and M. F. Barringer, grain broker in the Bourse building. Louis Buehn says his March business shows a very nice increase over last year. He states that the merchandise has been coming in a little more freely, both records and machines, although machines are not nearly in sufficient quantity. They are still oversold several hundred machines of certain types. Gimbel Bros, report that their business in March was very good, that they have been having a great difficulty in getting machines, but that records are coming through a little better. All the handlers in Philadelphia of the Edison disc machine have been doing exceptionally well in March. The fine quality of tone of the Edison is responsible for this. Blake & Burkart, the extensive handlers here of the Edison, at Eleventh and Walnut streets, have considerably improved their warerooms in March. They have closed in the offices at the rear, which has greatly increased their space, and have made other interior improvements, while they have placed some most attractive lighting ,in their display window. Their shop, in its present condition, shows admirable taste, and they have enjoyed a very excellent March business. C. J. Heppe & Son are celebrating this month their golden jubilee, and this will apply to their talking machine department, as well as all other departments of the store. They are advertising heavily, and already there has been much increase in their retail sales. S. M. Fletcher, of this department, has resigned to look after his own real estate business. Otherwise the selling force is as large as during the holiday rush period, and they seem to be as busy now as during last December. Buehn Record Service The Louis Buehn Co. 825 Arch Street Philadelphia Money— the difference in what you have and what you might have from your record profits is so much net profit, for your general expense is the same. You ought to try the Buehn Record Service, for we help to secure "what you might have." Send a list of records that you are anxious to get, and let us fill the order. You'll be surprised at its completeness.