CHRISTMAS SHOPPING.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLVII, Issue 52, 31 December 1920, Page 5

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING.

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS. The majority, if not every one, of the Balclutha. shopkeepers are highly delighted witli tlio results of their Christmas trade. ''A record," was the reply of one fruiterer to the query as to the Christmas shopping. "Best for five years," was another reply regarding the same trade. There was not a large- variety of soft fruit availaible, 'but cherries, strawberries, apples and oranges were freely 'bought !by young and old. Sellers of toys and fancy goods had also an increased volume of trade. The extra charges were cheerfully paid by the pulblic, and the total amount was therefore much larger than previous years. The actual number of sale's were also .more than in previous seasons, and one assistant remarked that there was less questioning of the prices. The people paid what- was asked and appeared satisfied. Most of the children 's dolls, and many other toys, are of English manufacture. (Before the war these important articles for the Christmas trade were supplied almost solely by Germany and Austria. During the war .Japan .made an unsuccessful atte'mpt to develop the industry, 'but within the last two years English manufacturers 'have come to tlie fore, and the quality of tlie goods of this description they are now supplying is giving great satisfaction. *

Tn jewellery, drapery and the better class of fancy goods the Christmas trade appeared to (be. spread over several days, and' although there might not have been such an extraordinary large increase in the sales of these goods on Christmas 'Eve, the turnover for the month has been .more than satisfactory.

Grocers and other shopkeepers report very satisfactory returns.