TRADING METHODS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21266, 21 February 1931, Page 22

TRADING METHODS.

TO THE EDITOR. , Sib, —I would like to endorse the sentiments of “ Small Storekeeper ” concerning the chain store menace. The public generally denounce anything in the form of monopoly. Yet what is this but a powerful outside company, an “ octopus,” cutting prices in the meantime to squeeze out the smaller shopkeepers? The terms are spot cash, no delivery. This has been the dream of all business people, but how many of the people are in a position, year in, year out, to pay spot cash? The family grocer has been, to his customers, a friend as well as a supplier, seeing him through a period of idleness and sickness, and in many cases never being paid at all. Is it .fair to ask these people to sell at cost on some lines, at the barest margin on others,

and to give credit and deliver for the same price as those who sell at spot cash with no delivery. In addition, the local

storekeeper, who has built up his business amongst us, has'taken hia part in every social and philanthropic movement, soending his hard earnings in our own town. The support of this monopoly to which I refer sounds the death knell of many storekeepers in the town. Then up will go the prices, and those not in a position to pay spot cash may starve or seek charitable aid.—l am^etc., Sorry. Dunedin, February 20.