UP-TO-DATE STORE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 255, 24 July 1936, Page 7

UP-TO-DATE STORE

McDuff’s, Ltd., Open at Lower Hutt Bringing city shopping facilities to Lower Hutt, Macduff's, Ltd., the wellknown firm of departmental stores will open there to-day. Attractive and commodious premises have been specially designed and built in High Street, directly opposite the Post Office. An architectural acquisition to the district, the building is a single-storied earthquake-proof structure of reinforced brick with a wide frontage, allowing ample window display space and wide doorways which lead into unusually wide aisles. In keeping with the building, the store will be attractively laid out on lines familiar to shoppers, but with up-to-date fittings and appointments that will allow customers to inspect the stocks with every facility and convenience. The display counters are as wide as any in New Zealand, in order that the goods on offer can be quickly and easily seen. Prices will be prominently displayed, so that the minimum of inquiry will' be needed and chromium-plated electric cash registers are installed, the dominant idea being to save the purchasers’ time and eliminate the petty delays that tend to make shopping in other stores burdensome. A staff of 18 smart assistants, all of whom are resident in the Hutt Valley, has been engaged in furtherance of the ideal of ease and speed in shopping. Comfort has not been neglected, however, and special attention has been paid to the problem of ventilation, heating and light. The latest type of bar heaters are installed and a way

of escape for hot air has been provided by ceiling panels that enhance the appearance of the Interior. The lighting system has been designed to' provide even and adequate .illumination throughout the building. The staff has not been forgotten and a special room, with lockers and refreshment facilities, is provided at the rear of the premises where morning tea will be provided by the firm. The manager’s office and the stoeroom are also in that part of the premises. The lay-out of the store will follow largely that of the Wellington businesses, so that Hutt residents accustomed to visiting the firm’s headquarters will find themselves quite at home immediately they enter. For the same reason the china and crystal department will be a feature of the store, and an extensive range is to be on display before a mirror background at the top of the shop, glass shelves and stands being used. ,

The confectionery counter, too, will be mirror-backed and finished in white enamel, making this section particularly attractive. All confectionery is to be kept under glass.

In stocking the store, Micduff’s, Ltd., have laid down for themselves the policy of furnishing New Zealand goods wherever possible, provided that the quality is sufficiently high ■■ The beauty of the department store is the wide range of goods available under the one roof and the ease with which requirements can be attended to, and the experience that the firm has gained during the period that It pioneered the departmental store in Wellington has found expression in the Hutt premises. The firm began business in Wellington in 1924 with a staff of seven assistants, and proof that their judgment and acumen in introducing the modem store to Wellington are appreciated is furnished by the fact that there are now over 70 assistants employed in the main shop in Cuba Street. Throughout its career the company has endeavoured to supply quality goods at the cheapest possible prices. During the past 18 months branches have been opened in Dannevirke, Wairoa and Levin, and now Lower Hutt is being added to the chain. Other evidence of the growth of the concern—which must be based on service to the public and on public support—is revealed by the paid-up capital which was originally £2OOO, whereas the paid-up capital of the new public company Is £BO,OOO. The company has also acquired the block of land, partly in iierpetunl lease and partly freehold, on which the city pre-mises-stand, and it holds the freehold of the new Hutt’premises.—P.B.A.