CHRISTMAS TRADE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15158, 23 December 1914, Page 2

CHRISTMAS TRADE.

CONDITIONS IN CHRISTCHTJIICH

"Almost normal," was tho verdict passed by a fancy goods merchant upon the position of tho Christmas trade, when asked for his opinion by a representative of "Tho Press" yesterday. "Considering the disabilities imposed by tho •war," ho proceeded, "and the difficulties in which wo wer© involved by tho problematical arrival of some of our shipments from Home. I think the recovery which has been made in the last few days has been almost marvellous. Up to within tho last week or so things wero certainly quiet, but with Christmas right ori top of us, as it were, people seemed to'wako up. and yesterday and to-day we have been crowded. All that is wanted now to put things right is a few days of good weather. Of course, mind you, I am not looking for any records, but it is certain that Christmas will not bo tho black one wo anticipated somo months ago. Confidence has been restored wonderfully, and most traders, even those dealing in luxuries, should come out of tho next few days with pleasant faces." "Yes, I think the balance will bo on the right side," agreed another trader. "Last year we had tho strike, and this year we have the war. so in neither case could we reasonably look for records. Most of us will be content if we do moderately well, and I think from tho way the public has opened out in tho last few days, that that hope will be fully realised." "Yes, tho public is buying well now,' said another trader in Cashel etreet, "and, if maintained, the season's trade should not.be too far from normal. The heavy rains of the last few hours have meant hundreds of pounds to tho country, and confidence has been restored remarkably. Shopping has been proceeding vigorously this morning, as tho streets testify. Yes, certainly 1 have every confidence that the season will be good." WELLINGTON'S EXPERIENCE. (SPECIAt. TO "THE PRES3.") •WELLINGTON, December 22. Tho drapers, who had rather i bad run in tho late winter and spring, stato that business has for a couplo of months past been normal, and tho ar>proach of Christmas has given quite a fillip to the trade. The promise is for a CVistmas every bit as busy as last year. ihe booksellers and stationer? who trade in daintily-coloured Christmas cards, insinuative postcards, fancy almanacs, and the "poots" have no complaint to make. Tharo is a welldefined prefercrce for goods having some application to the war. and almanacs'and cards with photographs of our naval and military hea<k are in great favour with tho'general public.