Impressive selection

Press, 27 October 1982, Page 18

Impressive selection

The Smiths City Market kitchenware display is the largest in the South Island, according to the department’s manageress, Mrs Joyce Anderson. She says it would be difficult to name any kitchen item the department did not have.

Yet there is far more than just kitchen and laundry items.

Besides sturdy ovenware, there is fine china and crystal; silver and stainless-steel table cutlery; a large range of non-cutlery silverware — both modern and traditional; and virtually every type of household clock — large or small, dome or “standard,” wall, desk-top or grandfather.

At the back of the department’s nearly 2000 sq m of floor space is an interesting selection of cane and natural wood furniture and other items.

To one side is the luggage section, with a variety of

bags. suitcases and satchels. Nearer the front of the store is a display of copper and brass fireside and other equipment, including a peacock fireguard and various styles of pot plant stand.

Nearby is what Mrs Anderson claims is one of the largest ranges of scales in the country, even rivalling the selection of brushware.

The display of fine china and glassware is expanding. Arcopal and Duralex glassware offer durability as well as modern elegance, while Royal Albert, Wedgewood and Limoges pieces offer a more elaborate, traditional elegance. One of the particularly unusual displays is that of crockery bathroom ware, like that used in pioneer days. There is an almost bewildering selection of crystal — from France, Italy, Germany, England and Japan, as

well as from New Zealand. There is also a surprisingly wide variety of brass ornaments, including plate stands, vases and gongs. Perhaps the most remarkable display, though, is that of large and beautifully dressed dolls — lamp, bed and boudoir dolls from about 15cm up to toddler height. The card and gift wrap centre is a recent addition, offering a wide choice of cards and paper. Placed temptingly alongside, is a display of Byron

Manor confectionery; jams, marmalades, pickles, mustards and shortbreads. Gift pack selections of these are due in soon. For those prepared to “splash out” even more on a small gift, there is a selection of Seiko and Casio watches and calculators. Christmas stock is arriving now, and the staff will be unpacking Christmas goods right through to mid-Novem-ber. Mrs Anderson says the department staff are a loyal,

enthusiastic team who will “bend over backwards" to help the customer. If there is any item not in stock, the staff will do their utmost to obtain it at the customer’s request.