GOODS AND PRICES

Southland Times, Issue 18846, 11 June 1920, Page 6

GOODS AND PRICES

LESS READY BUYING. ; _ VICTOR CARS AND TEA. g Owing, no doubt, to the recent cabled reports of the suggestion of a slump in the English market in various lines, and to the warnings of a changed condition issued from time to time in the dominion, local buyers are growing rather chary of making extensive purchases, do a Southland Times representative has learned in conversation with numbers of those engaged in selling different lines of goods. During the past few years the demand has almost invariably been greater than the supply, but now, not necessarily due to any increase in the supply, but rather to a diminution in the demand, the returns of business are beginning to show a slight falling-oIT, especially in regard to those lines not classed as essentials. This is especially noticeable in the motor trade, and more than one dealer told the reporter that there is very little movement for new cars in the market, that is. of course, speaking comparatively with the boom of recent times. The wholesale houses that cater for accessories are also noticing a disinclination on the part of the retail tirms to buy in a large way. One traveller explained the position by the remark; Our customers seem to imagine they are going to get goods for nothing next month.” In the motor business there is a tendency for agents and dealers to ' tighten up” in regard to terms. At least one man, who has been giving credit freely for some time and hits not yet missed, has now decided that the position does not warrant a continuance of this class of business except in the case of exceptionally sound customers. although an "essential,” is another line in which there is promise of developments, and sevend houses appear quite anxious to quit their cheaper lines. On the other hand, the retailer does not seem to be over anxious to lay in heavy stocks of this commodity.