“SWAPPER SHOPPERS” BEGIN ANNUAL TASK

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28162, 28 December 1956, Page 10

“SWAPPER SHOPPERS” BEGIN ANNUAL TASK

When business began in Christchurch shops again yesterday morning after the rush and turmoil of Christmas shopping, assistants were waiting patiently for the leisurely but steady stream of unprofitable customers they have learned to expect on the firsl working day after Christmas. Throughout the day they came —customers who were not dissatisfied with their gifts but only with their shape or colouring. One shop assistant blames this annual trek on last-minute shoppers. Determined not to omit a gift, he says, they grab anything in their desperation, regardless ol size, colour and taste. Chief culprits are men. In their wake yesterday came throngs of women to stocking counters with apologetic requests for stockings of a different size, colour or weight. Assistants at cosmetic counters anticipated errors by male shoppers with warnings that women appreciate precise shades of face powder and eye shadow, but more important still, the health authorities forbade the swapping of lipsticks. Slippers and other footwear, always popular gifts, were apparently bought this year with much

more discrimination and care than usual. Shoe stores expected hundreds of ill-fitted customers yesterday, but were agreeably surprised to find a mere trickle. They are suspicious, however, and are prepared for the worst when people return from their holidays. Book shops have had the same experience. The practice of giving exchange cards has perhaps made the recipients of books they have read secure in the knowledge that they can be exchanged at any convenient time. Those who have been given clothing a trifle too large will be more impatient, however, and so the parade of “swapper shoppers” will continue unabated for at least a fortnight.