A Visit to F. Loveday's Establishment.

Manawatu Herald, 17 December 1898, Page 2

A Visit to F. Loveday's Establishment.

Xmas is coming, soon to, and all business places have made great preparations for the trade. At Mr Loveday's Drapery Establishment you cannot but be struck, when entering, at the neatness and order that prevails, there is a place for everything, and averything is in its place, and on inquiring we can understand that this is so when told that everything in the shop is handled once a week, and brushed. The reason for this being done is to leave no room for dust and moths, which play such havoc in similar trades. "We are never troubled with these pests," the Manager explains "for that very and in some lines we do a specfal trade —hosiery in particular, as many customers have often remarked that you can depend od getting goods that are not moth-eaten." A special feature at this time of the year in this establishment is the very large stock of men's clothing and mercery, and in answer to questions we found that the trade had increased in such a measure in these lines that it was absolutely necessary to keep a large stock. The Manager explained that the motto " quality first and then cheapness" had taken on wonderfully well, and once a customer had been secured you could depend upon him coming back. " We have found that it does not pay to buy cheap goods, as they are the dearest in the end." There are immense quantities of men's suits, trousers, boys' suits, and also a large stock in underwear and ties. A visit to prove these statements would well repay one. No less than 500 men's and boys' straw hats are scattered about the shop ranging from ninepence upwards, in varieties that must find buyers. In ladies and children's pinafores there is a very fine assortment, ranging from one shilling upwards; also in ladies' trimmed millinery there is a beautiful assortment, and we found, on inquiry, that this is the best season ever experienced for the sale of these lines. The nicest looking articles in the shop are the childrens bonnets and hats— real gems — right from the Home manufacturers, and from the manner with which these goods are sought, a proof of their value is obtained. A splendid assortment of prints and dress materials are to be found decked out to the best advantage, and it is evident this firm means to maintain its reputation for high class goods. These notes will give our reader a slight insight into an establishment which is a credit to the town, and the manager, Mr Stiles, and his assistant, Mr Gillespie, are noted for their courtesy and attention, and knowledge of their business. We are obliged to Mr Stiles for the information so willingly afforded to our representative, and we wish him and the firm a prosperous Christmas and New Year.