CHAIN STORES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 127, 31 May 1937, Page 8

CHAIN STORES.

NEW SYSTEM FOR DOMINION.

AUSTRALIAN LEADER ARRIVES

National development in Australia was largely due to an increase in trading activity, said Mr. E. C. B. Midlane, chairman of directors of Selfridges (Australasia), Limited, who arrived in Auckland to-day by the Mariposa. This he attributed to the realisation on the part of retail traders that for the country to develop retail and all other forms of trading must develop on a pro rata basis compared with the increasing numbers to be absorbed in employment each year. The fundamental of national progress depended on employment. His company intended to expand and give the maximum amount of employment throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. Midlane contended that the chain store companies were doing a great national service by selling secondary products in Australia and New Zealand. Probably 80 per cent of the merchandise sold in Australian chain stores was made in Australia; and as secondary industries increased in the Dominion they would be increasingly supported. This alone meant improved continuous employment and considerable revenue for the Government.

A site for the head store of the New Zealand company had been secured in Cuba Street. in Wellington, said Mr. Midlane. Building operations would commence next month. Satisfactory sites for the stores to be built in other parte of New Zealand were being secured. The first members of the trained personnel for the New Zealand stores had arrived in Wellington to train the local staff. Two officers of the Australian company had practically completed tours of the "world to secure the essential merchandise for sales in New Zealand. It was anticithat a large percentage of the company's goods would be supplied by the secondary industries of New Zealand.

Questioned regarding a store in Auckland. Mr. Midlane said that it was only a matter of time before the New Zealand Selfridge, company would have a chain of stores right through the country.