ROUND THE SHOPS

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 146, 17 December 1924, Page 11

ROUND THE SHOPS

BUSINESS ALREADY BRISK

EVIDENCE OF SUCCESSFUL

SEASON

The spirit of Christmas is abroad. Although actually the festive season is yet a week away, the city has already assumed a gayer aspect, and the streets are beginning to bear that busy appearance which is ever associated with Christmas. So far shopping expeditione have been mainly confined to the adult members of families, for the State schools will not close down until Friday next, but even so, there has been sufficient business to indicate that shopkeepers will enjoy brisk trade during the next week. People apparently are beginning to realise that after all there is something in that oft-repeated slogan : "Shop early." However, the fascination of being one of a jostling crowd, bearing down on bewildered shop assistants and reducing his or her nerves to a very low state of efficiency indeed, is one that really will never fade, and shopkeepers are already making arrangements to cope with that last-minute rush which occurs year after year. In order to gain an impression of the possibilities of Christmas trade this year a "Post" representative made a round of several big shops this morning, and generally a feeling of optimism was found to prevail. Last year trade was very brisk, and the indications up to the present are that this year's operations will be equally successful. There are many indications in that direction. As early as last Friday many people began to make their Christmas purchases, and the evening saw a steady stream of customers visiting in those shops which observe the late night. The problem of Christmas gifts—a problem which each year presents many difficulties to the harassed housewife is engaging the attention of most people at this time, and in order to make the best selection a careful tour of the chops is very necessary. Even then the matter is a difficult one, for so many articles equally suitable are displayed for public approval. « Generally, however, there is one excellent way of solving the problem—turn to a fancy 'goods store, and there, if nowhere else, something will surely be found that is suitable for mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, grandmother, and every other person eligible to receive a Christmas gift The manager of one big fancy goods •tore told the -."Post" reporter this morning that early as it was, bustess had already been very brisk, quite as f' V a<lV? was the case last year. Last Friday night," he eaid, was particularly good, and it is rather a coincidence that our takings were within three shillings of our takings on the corresponding night last ytar " ixtra- assistants had already been employed, lt was stated, and in the toy Jepar ment-one of the most important departments at. Christinas time4t hatf been necessary to erect an extra counter uness. C°Pe With the rush of «"£-

Japanese article a l most en [ ivel ,, Me lentil," er?*V gain clailnin S much atlention as Christmas gifts oresem ,hf d °f ■ thl , usually presents an easy problem, for the thrifty Housewife very wisely takes' advuitaE of the spirit of Christmas to replenish Other business places also report increased business during the ' last few Jays, and all are looking forward to I prosperous, if busy, ChH st ma s