FARMERS' TRADING COMPANY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 300, 17 December 1923, Page 8

FARMERS' TRADING COMPANY.

. A HELPFUL CHRISTMAS STORE. The Farmers' Trading Company's warehouse in Wyndham Street and Hobson Street is the largest department store in the Dominion, and one of the most interesting and remarkable establishments of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The size and scope of the Trading Company's business may be gauged by the following details: The company is co-operative, with more than 17,000 members. Its annual sales amount to over £1,200,000. It has 33 branches throughout the province. Four modern factories are owned and operated for the production of furniture, boots, and saddlery, and for the packing of tea and groceries. A buying office is maintained in London to enable the company to secure the advantages of direct cash purchase from leading British manufacturers. The company conducts the largest mail order business ; n New Zealand, selling strictly for cash. It issues a fully illustrated catalogue of 550 pa«es, containing descriptions and cut cash prices of over 20,000 articles. The company will gladly 6end, post free, a copy of this great thrift book to all who apply for it. In many respects the Trading Company's policy is unique, and undoubtedly sets new standards. An unusual feature is its price guarantee, under which this co-operative concern binds itself to meet all competition, so that every customer has the assurance of purchasing any article at the lowest ' market price. The company also guaran- - tees safe delivery of every order, being i willing to pay for any damage to goods i in transit. Its money back guarantee j is so well known that no further com- : ment is necessary. Every department is well arranged and splendidly organised for the prompt and accurate handling of the immense amount of business transacted daily. In order to see everything without getting tired the visitor should take the new express elevator to the top floor and commence the tour of inspection from the tea room and roof promenade. The tea room is one of the finest in Auckland, and is unsurpassed for service and quality. The furniture display on the floor below will prove fascinating to every home-lover. Many of the beautiful designs are original, and most of the articles are the product of the company's own factory. On the same floor will be found the Brunswick phonograph department. Visitors should step into one of the well-furnished audition rooms and hear the latest records. The Farmers' Trading Company are tbe master agents in New Zealand for the Brunswick phonograph, the sales of which have been phenomenal. At least 5000 different articles are stocked in the various sections of the hardware department. Tools, kitchen and household utensils, silverplate, crockery, jewellery, toilet articles, paints, stationery, sporting goods, toys for the kiddies, etc., are here in abundance. On the third floor is the drapery department, where everything from a reel of cotton to a silk frock may be purchased. In the boot department on the second floor one is impressed by the great variety of footwear, most of it being made in the company's own factory, which is capable of turning out 3000 pairs a month. Next is the saddlery department, where one may purchase a splendid saddle (unmounted), made in the company's own factory, for the sum of 49/, with a guarantee behind it. Saddles and harness are to be seen in great array. Horse and cow covers, driving rugs, wagon covers, school bags, travelling cases of every description, oilskins and canvas coats, tents, etc., complete the stock of this deservedly popular department. A notable feature of the company's wide range of business activities is its banking department, where every facility and many advantages are offered depositors. The company pays 6 per cent per annum on deposits for twelve months, 5 per cent on six months' deposits, and 4 per cent on money at call, j The big busy grocery department supplies everything edible in small or large quantities. A splendid stock of fresh j goods is always on hand, and the service j is good. Telephone orders are promptly attended to and delivered free in city and suburbs, cash being collected when goods are handed to customers. In the basement, which is reached by the ■ Wyndham Street entrance, are ploughs, tractors, separators, windmills, milking machines, and other farm machinery, while adjoining is the seed, produce, and fertiliser department, which is noted for its high quality standard. The companyextend a hearty invitation to all to-visit their premises, with a view to gaining first-hand information of the wonderful stocks carried and the moderate charges I for all classes of goods. j