Where effective Merchandising Finds A Home

IJOW DOES THE smaller building ma- II

Lerials dealer solve the problem of limited space and keeping up with his competition dollarwise?

Answer: diversiflcation of products and a stock that yields a good profit. At least that's how Bill Doherty at Mullin Lumber's new store in San Gabriel, Calif. feels about it.

"We enjoy selling to the general publie," Doherty explained. He pointed out that much of the work done to erect the new store was contracted from the local people. Their word-of-mouth advertising paid off as a result, Doherty contends.

With Mullin for about 20 years, he has seen fantastic change occur in the lumber business as well as in the retail building materials market. He predicts that the average man in San Gabriel will more and more do-it-himself with the items that Mullin's store ofiers.

"Versatility is the keynote of success with a smaller operation," he explains. ooWe've about 70-75 items out on the floor here and we're emphasizing decorative items."

Manager at Mullins for three years, Doherty points with pride lo tastlfully ornate displays which efiectively frame such household appurtenances as doorbells, brass knockers, Mediterranean door handles, baroque-styled mirrors and medicine chests, heraldic plaques made from plastics, and other items.

"The better we present them on the floor, the better our sales," he says, leading us around a corner to an efficient G-P panels display. Doherty also oversees the Mullin lumberyard, right outside the door and to the rear of the new store. Around 2,000,000 b.f. are on hand at the vard. which was lounded in 1946.

"We have discovered one thine interesting. People really like to decora-te. Inside and outside. Take doors for instance. .,." We were introduced to a complete line of hand-carved and machine wrought doors, a staple at Mullin's store and one of their hottest sellers.

Mullin's store stocks electrical supplies, some stains, doors, saw blades, tapes, and other merchandise, Clever and persuasive methods of floor promotion move these items in an incredibly short period of time. One display, wall-hung and facing Mullin's entranceway, has turned over its items (saw blades, other small do-it-yourself merchandise) more than a dozen times in a record period of time. roofing supplies are plentiful at yard. (6) This is some of Mullin's lumber ready to go. 0) Bill Lopez, yard man at Mullin, stands beside paneling stock in yard(8) Under roof of storage shed is complete line of plywoods and other building materials. San Gabriel yard recently remodeled and boasts moderR store and displays.

Mullin's store is unusal in construction. It has 2" decking with fire-resistant shakes. Plysawn cedar was placed right over the stucco of their older building. The interior offices feature exotic wall woods and decorations Doherty's office is warm, Spanish in decor, and incorporates oriental elm.

Helping Bill run the store are Floyd Slagle, Bill Hornbrook, Gil Medina and secretary Evelyn Miller. A yard manager and a dozen or so others make up the stafi.

V/i[ f967 be Mullin's year for rapid expansion in the building materials market?

"You never can tell. I personally think that the spring of '67 will be bright. But 1968 is going to be much better than this year.tt

Whether it's Tacoma or Timbuktu. you have a man on the job making the best deals possible when you include Penberthy in your operation. Our relationship can help you reach out for your needs anyplace. .anytime. Chances are you can reach right into the seven million feet of hard and softwoods in our Los Angeles yard for your needs.

And, availability isn't all you get. A very efficient mill with every kind of

Delivered To Your Doorstep

a machine you can think of will produce any detail you want. On top of this, we maintain one of the best and biggest dry kilns in Southern California for the man who needs precision lumber. We don't want to seem oretentious, but we also have a fleet of trucks ready to give your orders posthaste action. Or, should you send your vehicle in, there's no wait at all.

In all modesty we must admit we have mountains of walnut, teak, birch, ash, poplar, rosewood, wormy chestnut and many of the more mundane species waiting for your command. For a carload or a cupboard door, call us.