FOOTWEAR PRICES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1927, Page 1

FOOTWEAR PRICES

DUNEDIN, Nov. 25

Following a rise at Home and in the Dominion of the prices of leather, footwear prices are to he increased. Within the past few weeks two 3d rises and , one Id rise per lb of sole leather have taken place, and fairly considerable increases in other classes of leather are reported. English manufacturers have notified an increase in the costings of p their goods, and Dunedin manufacturers also will he forced to make another increase. The Incorporated Federated Association of Boot and Shoe Manufacturers of Britain and Ireland have advised the Dominion importers that they have had under consideration the increase in the price of raw hides and skins and the consequent effect upon the price of finished leathers. In order to maintain quality the price of footwear had to he advanced. Buyers are informed that there will he n general revision of costings by the hoot and shoe manufacturers so that tho due relation between manufacturers’ costs and selling prices shall he maintained.

From an English company of 100 years’ standing a Dunedin firm lias also received the following letter: ‘•The heavy increase in the prices of all kinds of leather is n matter of common knowledge. While there is no certainty as to values in the near future, the scarcity of hides leaves no room for doubt that for many months all good leather must he substantially dearer than at any time since 1920. Under the circumstances it is impossible to continue making shoes at current prices without sacrificing quality, a course which we cannot accept. We are therelore reluctantly obliged to notify an advance on all lines. We hope that this may carry us through tor some time, hut there seems to he a distinct prospect of the price of leather rising still higher early in the year.”

Another English firm advises an advance of 5 per cent and one of 10 per cent on men’s patent leather hoots and shoes.

A Dunedin retailer states that the general starting increase is from 5 per cent to Ift per cent on English prices, and further advances will follow almost immediately. All orders now being placed for a famed English brand, for delivery up to May 31, are subject to the new prices.