Christmas Shopping

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32164, 6 December 1969, Page 12

Christmas Shopping

Sir, —While doing three mail orders for articles shopped for yesterday in the city, and which I returned home very frustratedly without, I take this opportunity of putting on record my strong feelings at the lack of service in the shops. It is very disappointing for country customers, in town with three days shopping to do -in one, when one can not be served within at least five minutes of one’s intention to buy. I stood at two counters with an article actually in my hand for this time, and finally placed the articles back where I picked them up from, and walked out, and. in either case I could have simply walked out with them still under my arm. It is impossible to stop shopping for the two hours from 12 noon until 2 p.m. when the counters are haff staffed for lunch. I wonder whether extra Christmas staff could not be put on for this time, part time work being very popular today.—Yours, etc., TEARFUL FEET.

December 3, 1969. [Mr B. G. M. Brinson, executive officer of the Canterbury and Westland Retailers' Association, replies: “Retail stores fully sympathise with Tearful Feet’ and can only repeat the advice given every Christmas to shop early. Many city stores open their doors at 8.30 a.m. when parking is easier, and staff are able to devote more attention to customers’ requirements The matter of lunch-hour coverage has been dealt with in the new shop assistants* award, which now provides for half-hour lunch periods by agreement between employers and staff. Most city stores stagger their, lunch breaks between 11.30 a.m and 2.30,p.m. to give the best possible service over these peak shopping hours. Part time staff is employed by many stores, and the aim of all retailers is to give the customer the best possible service ait all times.”]