A TRAVELLING CONFECTIONERY SHOWROOM.
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WITH THE confectionery trade in a far from lively state on account of the tightening of the public purse strings, and shopkeepers very loath to buy on a falling market, manufacturing confectioners have been fighting hard to give the trade a bit of a fillip, which they are doing in a variety of ways. In times past the principal firms have been in the habit of holding periodical trade exhibitions, either at their works or at conveniently Situated hotels, in order to show off their different specialities. They have been brought to realize in the way of modern business, however, that these little ' trade receptions" are inept as business-bringers. Shopkeepers begrudge the time lost in attending exhibitions, especially if the rendezvous is distant and inaccessible. The pushful manufacturer must, therefore, find a way of taking his .exhibition to the retailers door, and, in pursuance of this policy, travelling exhibition motorvans are now making their appearance on the road.
11 was only a few weeks age that the well-known manufacturing house of
R. S. Murray and Co., Ltd., Fleet Works, Clerkenwell, E.C., launched the first vehicle of its kind on a trial trip. This enterprising firm saw the manysided advantages of such a van. The name of Murray is boldly emblazoned on the side of the vehicle, an advertising medium, performing useful service.. The exhibition body is a conversion from an ordinary delivery van body, with which it is easily and readily interchangeable. For exhibition purposes it is enclosed completely at the front, and the interior is fitted with sloping shelves oaf which over 200 samples can be displayed. The box body is built sufficiently high to allow the average person to walk the whole length of the van in comfort.
To the inside of the tailboard are affixed three wooden steps, and the &onping of the board brings these into use. The great value of this van lies in the fact that the customer can see a display in bulk and at once comprehend how the boxes will look in his own window. Furthermore, it has long been a trouble in the trade to display really effectually to the shopkeeper buyer seasonal specialities, such as Christmas stockings, crackers, and Christmas-tree decorations, on account of bulk. The same remark applies to elaborate fancy boxes of chocolates.
The Murray van was first shown in the Newcastle district, where, the company state it created Much interest. They speak enthusiastically about it, and report that its use has resulted in the opening of new accounts, which is everything to business nowadays.
There is no doubt that many of the most go-ahead firms will seriously consider the use of similar motorvan showrooms, for, in the fight for trade, enterprise is. likely to beget enterprise. There is tangible evidence of the tendency in the fact that, though it is only a month or so since the first exhibition van made its appearance on the road, other firms are arranging to send out similar vehicles. The latest report is that a Liverpool house has had a portablre" -showroom even more sumptuously fitted, arranged with electric light, and other conveniences.