Retail Business in Germany.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 208, 2 September 1893, Page 4 (Supplement)

Retail Business in Germany.

As in other countries, so in Germany various learned professions are forming associations ; manufacturers and wholesale houses are erecting syndicates, even smal] traders are reviving tlio old guilds to a certain oxtenb, proving; by these acts that th Q individual is looking for support in the over keener strife for existence, where the weaker is trodden down by fcho stronger and lees scrupulous. There seems in Germany, according: to the 'Literary World,' only one class of people, who hitherto have not yet taken any similar steps for protection, and have in consequence suffered much, and will probably suffer still move in the near future. Thia class is that of the retail traders or email merchants. They are not producers, but deserve to hold their own, as they form a necessary link botwean the producer and the small consumer. Of course, to recoup thom«elves for their outlay and their hard work during longor hours than work-peoplo now would submit to, it is necessary to increase the cost of the article. In consequence, some other moans are frequently found by the even smaller consumers patting thoir requirements at first hand. Co-operative stores, mutual pnrchaso associations, etc., are increasing, and even Government no longer places orders with merchant?, big or email, but invites ths manufacturer to tender direct. To make things worse for tho shopkeeper, wholesale houses and manufacturers not only do notdeclincretail business, but actually send out circulars to every private person whose name can be seen in a directory. What is a retail trader to do under those circumstances 1 We are afraid many have already given up the came for lost and are seeking such employment as thoir abilities will allow in bigger houses, or el?o they form, by amalgamation, Jargor nstablishmentp, which may compote with the stores. Legislation may, perhaps, in course of time, give them "assistance and greater facilities, but the retail business, as conducted hitherto, is doomed.