Holyoke's Leading Merchant

      It seems scarcely possible that only fourteen years have elapsed since Albert Steiger opened his Holyoke store—four years after his venture at Port Chester, N.Y. Yet much water has passed under the bridge during those fourteen years of busy and successful life. From modest stores of no particular prominence the Steiger System has grown until it embraces large and flourishing stores in five different localities—two stores in two of the best trading cities in New England, Springfield and New Bedford.

Albert Steiger

      There have been many attempts made to explain the success of Albert Steiger in Holyoke and elsewhere. Some have been partly successful. Probably no two men have been able to agree upon the detailed reasons. One element that has contributed largely has been the gift of imagination. Another has been his almost incomparable system of organization that checks the slightest weakness in any part of any store before it becomes in the least degree hazardous.
      In a word, Mr. Steiger has a farseeing head and a genius for getting at the heart of matters that, combines, have been principal factors in his success. A story that was told by a friend of his will illustrate the point. Not long ago, when, in fact, his ability had been generally recognized, some business men interested in a large concern some distance from here, went to him for advice. He heard their story, demanding fullest details. They were shown to him and he looked them over carefully. "Gentlemen," he remarked, "unless certain changes are made in your organization and methods of doing business you will be bankrupt within two years."
      The men rather resented the remark and withdrew in some heat. True to his prophecy bankruptcy overtook the firm within the time specified.
      Mr. Steiger's holdings in Springfield real estate alone are said to total over $2,500,000. It was a hard proposition to get into Springfield, as the available holdings were in large measure tied up on leases or other ways. When the news came that Mr. Steiger had secured to location where his present store stands, there was much interest throughout the mercantile world. The beauty of the building and fittings, the excellence of the merchandise carried soon won for it a generous patronage. In the development of the Springfield store he has been able to depend in no small measure upon Ralph Steiger, his son, who has shown a decided genius for selecting goods and their display, and general merchandising ability.
      Another son, Philip Steiger, has charge of his Holyoke store, and a third, Chauncy Steiger, is already displaying abilities in the same line that assures him early success, if he decides to follow that field of effort.
      A few months ago there was a "Steiger Day" in the stores of the Steiger system that is yet remembered. The first year's business in the little (comparatively) Port Chester store was $33,000, which was eclipsed by the trading at the stores of the Steiger system on "Steiger Day"—showing at a glance the tremendous strides that have been made in the eighteen years of time from the opening of that store to the present day.



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