Many Imported Goods For Christmas Buyers

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28158, 22 December 1956, Page 4

Many Imported Goods For Christmas Buyers

Christchurch gift counters have never displayed such a wealth of goods from other countries as during the present Christmas season. With a keen eye for modern tastes and respect for the more conservative buyer’s purse, the big stores have imported a huge variety of Christmas gifts.

Only the United States manufacturer is not represented among the goods from countries exporting the art and novelty wares that New Zealand buyers seek.

Store managers yesterday said that most customers wanted smaller items for gifts than usual. Expensive lines in toys, clothing, and art goods were harder to sell.

■Hie sale of men’s clothing in brighter colours has increased immensely. Some men may be somewhat astonished at the lavishness of colour in ties and sports shirts. Christmas stockings will be the brightest ever. Plastic toys have improved in durability, and shop assistants can jump on them to prove it. Toy vehicles are right up to date, and are miniatures of the latest models on the roads. Though there is still a ready sale for Sherwood green hats and bows and arrows, the young adventurer in space is well catered for. Most dolls are New Zealand-made, but continue to be handsomely coiffured and gowned. Even the most expensive sell well. German toy makers have produced an amazing array of colourful mechanical figures.

But it is in adult lines that the international buying is so apparent. Britain’s factories and studios supply most of the dinner and tea sets on New Zealand shop shelves. Car kettles which boil a pint of water and make tea while travelling when connected to a 12-volt car battery have proved popular. Handsome oak cheese and bread boards, with knives fitting into slots in the board, have sold well. Perfumes and cosmetics are popular presents, and the novel packages in which they are offered would look well on any Christmas tree. Perfumes in stick form for carrying in handbags, packets of soap wafers, a ballshaped perfume sachet bound with glossy silk thread, fabric perfume leaves to send with cards, novelty soaps for children, and shampoo sealed in plastic wrappers are lines which have been selling briskly. Italian leather goods are in some shops. They are brightly-coloured and intricately-engraved trinket and cigarette boxes, card cases, and picture frames. The most daring and modern colours and shapes distinguish the ornaments and dishes from that country. A polished wood effect in china is a feature of some of the pieces.

Switzerland was the source of a bestselling line of lawn handkerchiefs for men. The new patterns and fine handwork compensate for the higher prices. Czechoslovakia and Germany are satisfying an increasing demand for fancy cuff links and tie slides.

From Denmark some of the finest art lines have come. In the most exi pensive class are china figures designed by one of that country’s most celebrated sculptors, 70-year-old Dahl Jensen. They are beautifully painted in soft colours. Also from Denmark are novelty candles, of which many dozens have been sold. They are in countless shapes .and colours, in many sizes Some radiate a warm glow from the wax when lit, and all are dripless. Danish glass, pewter, and enamel ware is of excellent design and high quality. Japanese woodware is sought for modern homes and those who favour

i “terrace living.” Similar wooden plates, trays, condiment sets, coasters, and salad bowls come from Germany.

Buyers have assembled a good collection of wooden articles and pottery from Australian makers.

From Western Germany come plated tool sets encased in leather for the fastidious workman. Hundreds of dozens of novelty salt and pepper shakers from Germany have been sold. They are cheap, bright, and well finished. Musical alarm clocks shaped like television sets and containing a revolving dancer in the “screen” have attracted much attention.

Austria is represented by one of the brightest novelties: small figures in jointed beads, painted as sports players.

French perfumes, created by famous dress designers and including that favoured by Princess Grace of Monaco, have been in demand for gifts. From Limoges come porcelain miniatures. A New Zealand designer and craftsman has produced expensive but finely-painted and infinitely durable flowers from plastic. They are excellent replicas of lilies, magnolias, gladioli, and posies, and withstand crushing and washing. From the Netherlands and Sweden, a wide range of pottery and glassware has been bought. This includes modern ovenware, lager and brandy glasses, and condiment sets with china bowls and wooden tops and bases. One store is selling pottery made in Hungary.

The real rush for gifts began a week ago, although stores were ready long before that. In spite of big sales, supplies are still being unpacked for the last day of gift shopping on Monday.