The talking machine world (Jan-June 1923)

Tune IS, 1923 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 101 TOLEDO Siibstnntial Increase in Sales Noted — Changes in the Trade — Salesmen's Contest — The Nezvs ToiiEDO, O., June 7. — Talking machine and record merchants are experiencing a substantial increase in sales over the corresponding period a year ago, although the demand is at times spotted. Industrially the city was never busier — the cry is for men. Building activities are at their height. Bank clearings are growing steadily. Optimism of the trade is based on these sure signs of prosperity. Fine Outlook for Victor At the Toledo Talking Machine Co. the outlook for a large Summer sales volume was never better. The advent of the new split-top Victrola;s has made this practically certain. Not alone are dealers in this market desirous of obtaining as many of these instruments as possible without delay, but merchants from surrounding markets are likewise placing orders here. Records from the July supplement have been ordered in large quantities, according to Clias. H. Womeldorff. A shortage of certain models exists. Changes in Lion Store Staff At the Lion Store Music Rooms several changes have taken place in the personnel of the department. Miss Mabel Arend, in charge of the record division for the past five years, has joined the force of Frederick Loeser & -Co., Brooklyn, N. Y., as manager of the talking machine department; Miss Lovina Terry, who was assistant, has been promoted to the post of record manager. Miss Catherine Delo, of the department, is to become a June bride, and in her honor an electrical shower was given at the home of A. J. Pete. Portables were featured in window and store displays in conjunction witR Mother's Day and Memorial Day records in this store. Victor, Brunswick and Atodernolette portables are featured. These are recommended as ideal gifts for the June bride. That young lady is receiving unusual attention from tiie department in direct mail and newspaper appeals. Brunswicks, Cheneys and Victrolas are featured in the May sales and in special settings arranged in the department. Inaugurate Salesmen's Contest At the J. W. Green Co. a contest among the salesmen in the talking machine department, based upon the amount of down payment received upon an instrument, is exciting much interest among the sales force. Credit points begin with ten points for a 10 per cent first payment and range up to 100 points for all cash. The contest also provides tor machines sold on 30, 60 or 90-day terms, with points in proportion to the shortness of credit arrangement. Victrolas, Cheneys and Brunswicks, also portables, are included in the drive. News Gleanings of Interest A. A. Fischer, formerly associated with Grinnell Bros., is now a member of the talking machine sales force here. Through persistent efforts of the outside men sales are maintaining a healthy increase in spite of the torn-up condition of the store, due to remodeling, E. A. Kopf states. President W. W. Smith suffered the loss of his father-in-law, Birchard Havens, Fremont, O., recently. The Cable Company is enlarging its record section. Due to the many new releases and the Summer colony patronage, which this house enjoys, it is necessary to make more room for Columbia and Victor records, A. F. Maag reports. The Goosman Piano Co. is co-operating with the National Aeolian week movement by making a special drive on Aeolian talking machines. according to C. E. Colber, sales manager. This concern also handles Columbia and Vocalion records. A. E. Rae, Adams street Columbia and Vocalion dealer, has added the Wolverine portable. Frank H. Frazelle is featuring the Marquette and Pembrook Sonora console types in a Spring promotion drive as well as Vocalion records. The Colonial Music Co., Mrs. J. Abeic, proprietor, which has conducted the talking machine section in tlie Tiedtke Bros. Co. deparfmcnt store, has changed the title of the business to the Toledo Music Co. Edison Uprights Head Demand The Hayes Music Co., exclusive Edison dealer, states that console and upright machines are running neck and neck. The upright is selling well because every home has room for it, while many homes do not have sufficient space to liouse a console. This firm has secured a large following mainly through direct mail soliciting. . Doubling Sales Record of Last Year : The La Salic & Koch Co. Music Shop, under the direction of Forrest O. Edwards, reports a sales volume more than double that of a year ago. Portable sales are contributing generously to the increase. Cheney, Brunswick and Victrolas are given special settings in positions close to the express elevators. Miss Mabel Christman, formerly with this shop, is now associated with the Z. L. White Co., Columbus, O. Doing Big Business The Whitney-Blaine-Wildermuth Co. is enjoying a sales total which at this time has reached a mark in excess of the total for the year 1921. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wildermuth were registered at the Drake during the Chicago conventions. Geo. E. Kennison, formerly connected with the Hoskett Music Co., Bellefontaine, O., has joined the force of this house. P. E. Gross, of this concern, suffered the loss of his mother the past week. Our Record Stock Is Not 100% Complete BUT it is complete enough to enable us to supply VICTOR dealers with records which they have experienced difficulty in obtaining from their other sources of supply. A trial order will convince you that Toledo Service can be depended upon at all times Toledo Talking Machine Co. Victor Wholesalers Toledo, Ohio