“ CASH AND CARRY.”

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1925, Page 3

“ CASH AND CARRY.”

A NEW SYSTEM OF TRADING. A new form of trading with the public has:made its appearance in Sydney during the last few months. This is known as the. “cash and carry” system. a name derived irom the simple fact that the purchaser pays his money and carries away his goods after selecting them from the stock. In one large store the system has been applied to groceries, and as the result of economies the system effects the pub-

lic ;irc getting their groceries there slightly cheaper than anywhere else. The new system simply provides a large store well filled with groceries, entry to which, is by a narrow passage, and the exit- through a similar passage, safeguarded by a turnstile. The housewife bent on stocking up enters the place, takes things from this or that shelf or table, and having selected all the goods she needs, makes lier way to the turnstiled exit, where a smart girl assistant sorts out what she lias bought, tots the amount, up. and calls the'"total to the cashier alongside, where the amount is paid and the customer passes out with her goods. The advantage of the system as far as the firm is concerned is that it does away with all delivery troubles, and the cost thereof, and instead of there being twentv or thirty assistants to serve people, the people serve themselves, and onlv now and again an assistant is seen building up the stocks as they become depleted.

The system is also anplied to tea and refreshment room* in one of the large drapery establishments, where the cakes, scones and sandwiches are set out along a long table-counter, and the customer, taking up a plate, places upon it whatever is required. At the end of the counter cups of tea, coffee, cocoa nr cool drinks may ho obtained, and having paid for these one repairs th one of the tables to consume them. Tt is all very simple and saves a lot of monev in attendance, for ail army of girls would he required to do the work that is managed by a mere half dozen