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1899
23 September 1899
MR. MAURICE VALE (CHEAPSIDE HOUSE), GENERAL DRAPER.
No visit to Mudgee would be complete without an inspection of Cheapside House, situated in the chief business centre and the principal thoroughfare in Mudgee. Mr. Vale, who has been established here some 16 years, confines his attention to drapery and millinery. Since he commenced business in Mudgee things have gone ahead in a truly remarkable manner. Having received his early training in the big wholesale and retail drapery establishment of John Perkins and Co., Hobart, Mr. Vale is in the unique position of buying what he wants, knows when he wants it, and being a cash buyer can purchase to a certain extent at his own price, consequently customers must reap the benefit. This explains his system of business, and the success that has attended his efforts in the past. The principle guiding the firm is cash on delivery of sales and purchases. In drapery and millinery the prestige of Cheapside House is second to none in the country. The stock within has the appearance of being well selected and well kept, the assistants are kept busily employed, and the everlasting number of customers passing to and fro in the place emphasizes the fact, that there is not much idling within. "You see," remarked the genial proprietor, "the principle upon which I work is quite different from that of any business of the kind conducted in the district. Being a cash buyer of everything enables me to sell at prices that an ordinary store keeper cannot. Prices are now down to zero, if I might use the expression. I was the originator of tailor-made clothing in the country. I advertised after starting, many years ago. that I could supply tailor-made clothing of superior quality and cut. One storekeeper challenged my ability through the press to supply ready-made clothing, but I invited him to come and inspect, so that he could learn a little about the business. He did not do so, and the result was a great advertisement for me. Look what this branch of trade has come to to-day. At the period mentioned by me there was only one maker-up in Sydney, now there are hundreds." Mr. Vale also attributes his success to the measure of confidence placed in him by the public. Mr. Vale's shop is busy at all hours of the day, and is evidence of the success that may be achieved by an up-to-date and progressive business man who is prepared to give some thought and interest to the welfare of his customers. The proprietor of Cheapside House is a genial and popular townsman, and has on several occasions declined aldermanic and other local honours1
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