CHRISTMAS TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 144, 15 December 1933, Page 10

CHRISTMAS TRADE

PEOSPECTS BEIGHT

WOOL SALES AND SUNSHINE

Thanks particularly to the more golden tint that wool has assumed this year, with acknowledgments also to the general trade improvement, and not forgetting the really summer-like weather, there are prospects of this Christmas being merrier and brighter than those for at least two years. Assisted by these influences, public optimism has undoubtedly come more into its own, with the result that local retailors arc able to report a general improvement in business and in tho prospects for the usual last minute rush. "Much brighter" was the prompt reply of the manager of a large departmental drapery store to a "Post"' reporter's inquiry as to how things were shaping for Chris .mas. "Business N is better in all our lines," he continued, "and we no longer hear the cry so common last }'ear that 'We can't afford to spend more than a. shilling or so.' " He said that Christmas buying had been in progress for some time, although the shop was not yet really busy, and the customary last-minute rush would undoubtedly recur just before Christmas. "Of course, it is the wool sales that have done it," he concluded. DOLLS IN DEMAND. The pnrchase of toys, which is usually left as lato ?.s possible owing to tho difficulty of smuggling such gifts into the house and keeping them unobserved until Santa Claus pays his visit, has commenced earlie/ than usual this year, according to a r'prescntative of a departmental store specialising in this line. No noticeable preference for any particular type was being displayed by the public, he said, although '.t was apparent that dolls were going to be included in many Christinas stockings. The ingenuity of the toymaker .had resulted in many very clever mechanical toys being placed on the market, but they did not command a great sale, mainly because of their cost and the fact tnat they were not the best suited to withstand the wear and tear of the nursery. "You might give the public a reminder," he said, "that it is in their interest as well as ours to get their shopping done as early as possible." Inquiries from practically every line of business met with similar responses, although some reported that the public were still exercising careful discrimination in making their purchases with a view to obtaining the greatest possible return for their money, and that the cheaper lines were still being sought after, on the principle that it is the spirit prompting the giver that counts. One boot retailer doubted whether he had done as much business this week as at the corresponding time last year. "However, it is apparent that confidence is returning," he said, "and we are expecting things to be very busy next week." THE CALL OF THE OPEN. The fine weather has had an appreciable effect in that it has given an impetus to the sale of goods intended for beaches, playing fields, and other outdoor spheres of activity. Rubber-soled shoes have been in strong demand, and beach novelties have also been much sought after. A sports depot reported that fishing, shooting, and camping requisites were selling well. and that the same could be said of tennis and cricket gear. So far as the Christmas table is concerned, there are indications that most Wellingtonians will be doing justice to the occasion. The head of a firm of provision merchants stated that business was exceeding expectations and that orders for poultry and hams were coming in in good numbers. The wholesale trade in canned fruits and canned foods suitable for picnicing is reported to be very satisfactory, and includes a very considerable proportion of New Zealand products, which aro said to be attractive in price as well as in quality.