LOCAL CHRISTMAS TRADE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 2670, 22 December 1928, Page 5

LOCAL CHRISTMAS TRADE.

BUSINESS VERY BRISK. RETAILERS BUSY SINCE YESTERDAY. "Qiris tolas comes but once a year—" so runs the old jingle, and tbo Yuletide season has always been a time for buying. A call was made on a number of local retailers this morning by a representative "of this paper, and the smiles of the purveyors of all manner and variety of goods, told its own story. "So far this Christmas has been better than last"; "our business has increased this Christmas"; "people are spending freely and there seems to be more money about this year than last" were some of the answers given to the reporter's query of "How's business this Christmas?" Earlier in the week, a number of local business houses wore called on, when it was found that some pessimism prevailed as there was little money in circulation up to that time. Yesterday, however, rush shopping commenced and continued unabated up till closing time to-day. A number of business men pointed out. that it was not possible to make a comparison yet with last year on account of the fact that the purchasing days with the week-end intervening were differently situated from last year. Generally speaking, judging by results obtained to date, this Christmas, as far as business people were concerned- would compart, favourably with the previous Christmas. A number stated that it would depend on Monday's results as to whether their returns would be good, bad or indifferent.

The town was exceedingly well prepared for Christmas shoppers, largo ranges of goods of all classes having been got in, a fact which is testified to by the excellent displays in local shop windows. Not only are there Christmas goods in quantity, but there is also quality, and shoppers have nothing to complain about in the ample opportunity for shopping that has been provided by local retailers. Not only are local business people pleased with results, but there are also many satisfied customers this year, the impression gathered locally during the past day or so being that purchasers are well satisfied with value received, and are convinced that they can shop in their own town as economically as they can by going to the centres.