CHRISTMAS TRADE PROSPECTS

Evening Star, Issue 21890, 29 November 1934, Page 12

CHRISTMAS TRADE PROSPECTS

SHWHEEFERS ALREADY BUSY HOVfcLTY IN TOYS Unlike the citizens of Melbourne, who appear to have overlooked the approach of Christmas in tho excitement of the centenary celebrations, Dunedin people have already full realisation of the nearness of the festive season. Ihc familiar placard of Father Christmas, benevolently beaming, on the laige stocks of toys displayed in orderly array, the multi-coloured streamers, and the crowded city streets and shops, all bespeak an animated festival atmosphere. Midst the clatter of busy feet and busier shop assistants, the strident, note of the toy wind intrument, blown ,by the small child, is even now a commonplace sound. •“ Our Christmas trade commenced three weeks ago, and already our sales are 25 per cent, ahead of those for the corresponding period last year, said the manager of a large departmental store this morning to a ‘Star reporter. who made a tour of a tew or the toy shops of the city. And this cheering news is corroborated by other men connected with the trade. lenclencies of the age are reflected in the wares so precious to the adolescent mind. For instance, the recent cricket controversy has resulted in the production of a leg-theory ball, which, when bounced, springs smartly to the side. The centenary air race has also been c iven due prominence in miniature aeroplanes, some of them artistically designed and having the appearance ot the machines which participated in the flight. Trices for toys are about the same as last year, though they are considerably below those operating several years ago. According to a man closely connected with the trade this, is due to keen competition among producing countries. Great Britain is supplying probably the best articles at the cheapest prices, and one could not but be impressed with their quality, especially as far as mechanical toys are concerned. Many of • the cheaper wooden articles are being made by Japan, and for rubber articles Canada rivals Great Britain Canada supplies dolls, as does Germany, while other lines have been imported from the' United States and India. Cheap clockwork toys are being superseded by articles that require the driving power of steam and electricity. “ The first question that people ask when buying toys to-day is: Will it last?’ ” said the manager of another store. “ English goods have shown the way in that respect. Perhaps that is the reason for their popularity, customers being*prepared to pay a few extra shillings for the added quality of durability.” ' . . , People whose fancies do not> - embrace toys will this year find an almost revolutionary change in the variety and novelty of Christmas presents. Realising that the trend to-day is toward the article that serves not only an ornamental but also a useful purpose, manufacturers have mainly confined their attention to the production of many ingenious types of goods. Brassware in different forms is again popular, while a new arrival on the market is un-breakable-crockery suitable for picnic use, and designed in pleasing .colours. To the more fastidious an Indian product, a camphor wood trunk beautifully designed, is an innovation, and exudes a sweet scent. Compressed wood pulp txavs and untarnishable trays, a combination of the indispensable bread board and knife, and unique ivory goods are other outward forms of the changes progress has wrought in the few years: ;