WINTER AND RETAIL TRADE

Evening Star, Issue 22990, 22 June 1938, Page 2

WINTER AND RETAIL TRADE

TARDY BUYING BY THE PUBLIC COLDER SPELL IMPROVES SITUATION The colder weather- of the last .fort-; uight has been appreciated by trade, as it has stimulated a demand for winter necessities. The mild conditions which have prevailed for long have set the trade from six to eight weeks behind, and it is not expected that fho ground lost will be regained, although a continued spell of severe weather will bo very beneficial. The demand which hag arisen has been less for quality goods than for something a little cheaper. The 'shoppers’ outlook on the situation aippeare to be that, having been able to do without winter requirements so long, it is not worth while investing to the normal extent at so late a period in the year. As a result blankets, heavy underclothing, and overcoats have experienced rather a lean demand, :md even the colder spell has not resulted in a phenomenal demand for those accessories, though there has been a gratifying increase in sales. On the other hand, the footwear section of the retail trade has come into its own, and there has been steady business occurring in the sale of strong boots and shoes. People who will make the best of worn or partly worn footwear while the weather is gooil very soon leap into the market when the shortcomings of their shoes or boots cause wet feet. One prominent boot repairer in the city told a ‘ Star ’ reporter this morning that since the rain came last week he has been unable to cope with the rush for repair work. That same stormy spell brought about an inquiry for goloshes, and a continuation of rain, or the advent of a fall of snow, would further stimulate the demand for this particular article. The trade, however, has not been exactly stagnant. As the head of a loading drapery emporium put it this morning, “ Women buy because they like buying,” and, if the season has not warranted the purchase of winter garments, women have made other purchases, either odds ami ends would brighten up their clothing, or other lines the money spent on which would have been spent on underclothing or blankets. Quite a number of women have made one concession to winter, and there have been many sales in cardigans and pullovers, and to some extent the greater sales of these have made up for the lack of sales in overcoats.

Men's buying.has been tardy, for men buy only from necessity. A man will, wear a shabby overcoat for a long time, quite satisfied if it keeps the rain off, but once the weather turns cold and he desires warmth ho will buy a new overcoat. The colder spell has therefore hod pleasing reactions in the sale o£ men’s overcoats. Hot water bottles have sustained a revival of interest during the last few days, but the demand for these has not been particularly strong. Coal and firewood -merchants are better pleased, for persons remaining at home like to be warm, and latterly fires have been necessary. The majority of these merchants have been rushed.