THE PRICE OF GOODS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15047, 15 August 1914, Page 13

THE PRICE OF GOODS.

RETAILERS' VIEWS,

A report that ten per cent, is being added by retailers to the price of ail imported goods was the subject of some enquiries made yesterday by a representative of "The Press." As far as could be ascertained no decision of this nature lias been decided upon in respect to groceries. Owing to tho panic which seized many housewives there has been such a run on some lines that difficulty is being ex- | perionced in getting additional (supplies, i and-in casos whore they are obtainable higher prices have had to bo paid by the retailer who, in turn, has had to J raise the price to consumers. One re- ! tailor etated that in the past seven or i ten days ho has done business that in normal conditions would have been spread over a month. Some housewives have stocked up for thres or six months, and this unexpected run on several grocery lines has had the effect of supplies "running short and of bringing about tho state of things that those housewives who have laid in such hoa\-y stocks deeirod to guard against. If people had gone on as they do when things are normal there would have been sufficient supplies for all at tho old prices. Now, many will have to pay higher prices because of the action of some in laying in such large stocks for domestic use. He also remarked that durina the time that those "scare" orders wore pouring in, retailers had been put to extra expense in the matter of paying overtime, and in paying for extra cartage. In some cases the extra cost of delivery would, he expected, abeorb. the profit that would have been earned in other circumstances. In view of the increase in freights, and in insurance rates, he was of opinion that it was only a question of time and prices must bo increased. Another business man, not engaged in the grocery trade, replying to the reporter's question, stated that in reeneci to his trade a ten per cent, addition had been made to the prico of all imported goods This haa been done owing to freights having been increased by 25 per cent., and.to insurance rates having been raised from 10s or 14s per cent, to £4 4s. As to the accusation that traders, in making this addition to the price of imported goods already in stock, goods on which the war freights and rates have not been paid, were exploiting tho public, he said that this was not the case, although it might, at first sight,' appear bo. As soon as the war was over everyone would expect prices to be reduced straightaway, but importers would have on the 8633 goods on which war freights and rates were paid but, for which, they would not be able to charge war prices. To protect themselves against this loss they were, he held, entitled to raise tho price of goods at present on hand. This was, practically, the only way in which the matter could bo adjusted ; if they only charged the higher prices on the goods on wnich war rates and freights were paid they would find themselves in difficulties at the end of the war in connexion with the goods then on the high seas on which war rates and freights'were paid, but for which, when landed, they would not be able to get war prices: They would, he admitted, make a profit on the goods at present in hand; but would lose on the goods coming to hand under war. 10 per cent, increase not being sufficient to cover increased freight charges and insurance rates.