“CASH AND CARRY.”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4910, 2 December 1925, Page 4

“CASH AND CARRY.”

NEW SYSTEM OF TRADING. EXPERIMENT IN SYDNEY. 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 from the simple fact that the purchaser pays his, money and carries away his own goods after selecting them from the istock. In one large store the system has been applied to groceries, and as the result of economies the system effects the public are getting their groceries there slightly cheaper than 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 her way to the turnstiled exit, where a smart glr'l assistant sorts out what she has 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 twenty or thirty assistants to serve people the people serve themselves, and only now and again an assistant is seen building up the stocks as they become depleted. The system is also ( applied to tea and refreshment rooms 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 cupis of tea, coffee, cocoa, or cold drinks may be obtained, and having paid for these one rerpairs to one of the tables to consume them. It is all very simple, and saves a lot of money in attendance, for ah army of girls would be required to do the work that is managed by a mere half dozen.