Fund-raising by mail order upsets retailers

Press, 10 January 1986, Page 22

Fund-raising by mail order upsets retailers

PA Wellington A National Party mail order scheme has upset retailers.

The scheme meant the party had become a retailer, according to the latest edition of the retailers’ magazine, “Retail News.” The party was mailing out “four colour brochures promoting mail order sales of anything from irons to Alison Holst engagement calendars to hairdriers and multigrills.”

The brochure was produced under the title, “Natbuy — shopping in the party spirit,” and was addressed to “Dear Supporter.” The brochure said: “When you purchase any of the competitively priced goods from the attractive range shown in the brochure you are contributing to the party funds at electorate level.”

“Retail News” said one Putaruru retailer, Mr Brian Bradshaw, complained to two members of Parliament and the National Party after receiving a brochure in the mail. Mr Bradshaw said he disapproved strongly of a political party setting itself up in competition with reA Wellington divisional

official of the National Party told “Retail News” that only specialist items were being offered. Many had been bought from retailers.

The scheme was borrowed from a sucessful venture by the Republican Party in the United States, the official said.

“Retail News” challenged the claim that only specialist items were involved in the Natbuy mail orders.

“ ‘Retail News’ cannot quite see how calendars, clothes lines, airtight containers and screwdrivers are specialist items not stocked by the average retailer,” the magazine said.