PROPOSED SHOPPING WEEK

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1790, 10 December 1936, Page 4

PROPOSED SHOPPING WEEK

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUGGESTION Letter from Businessman “ A shopping week run by a business community which is progressive and enterprising should not be measured in pounds, shillings and pence,” wrote Mr. O. Heerdegen in a letter to a member which was read at the December meeting of the Matamata Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Heerdegen has had much experience in connection with similar ventures in other centres, and as the Matamata .Chamber of Commerce proposed to hold a goodwill shopping week next March, Mr. Heerdegen was approached to give the chamber the benefit of his experience. This he did in a lengthy letter which was read at the December meeting of the chamber. Campaign of Goodwill The object should not be, com tinued the writer, for the direct purpose of immediate business stimulation, as if purely mercenary, the benefits will only be temporary. Instead, the objective must be clearly defined as a campaign which will foster the goodwill of potential and regular customers and which will inspire their- confidence and popularise Matamata as a commercial centre for all time. Matamata by reason of its geographical location, situated as it is. in the centre of a large producing area, must become a bustling business centre. j Traversing the steps to be’ taken, Mr. Heerdegen advocated that all business people should be called together and a definite decision as to the campaign made. Businesses should contribute according to grade. Publicity was advocated on a grand scale, with a booklet giving a history pf the district. Special window displays were also advocated. The decoration of verandahs and streets was urged, the whole being designed to produce a carnival spirit. Competitions were also mentioned, these to include ideas for all sections of the community, children especially being catered for. The writer stressed that the underlying intent should be to create goodwill and a joyous atmosphere, with the idea of impressing customers with the spirit of service. . Old Settlers’ Reunion In connection with the week Mr. Heerdegen urged that an old settlers’ reunion be held with garden party, dinner and smoker, and also that arrangements for Maori entertainments be made, these to include hakas and poi dances. “ Individual effort would be ineffective,” concluded the writer, “ but the concentrated efforts of the whole community, working co-operatively and without jealousies, would provide a power far beyond estimation.”

The letter was very warmly received by members of the chamber, and following a discussion it was decided that Messrs. C. G. Munns, W. Marks and G. Sharpe prepare a draft scheme, on the lines of the letter, for submission to the Borough Council with the request that a meeting of businessmen and others interested be called early in the new year.

It was decided to send a letter of thanks to Mr. Heerdegen for his very "Informative communication.