A CHEERING TONE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 7, 6 December 1932, Page 2

A CHEERING TONE

BUSINESS IN THE CITY. SIGNS OF ANIMATION. There were decided signs of animation in shopping activities in the business area of Palmerston North Saturday and most premises noticeu an appreciable increase m their turn over. Tire strengthened tone was accepted as indicating better trading conditions, and gave firms in the city Jin encouraging outlook for Christmas. Shopkeepers who were' approached oy a “Standard” representative invariably reported brisk business, and stated that the volume of trade was ahead of that for the corresponding weekend of last year. . “Saturday was quite a cheering day,” commented the manager of a large importing and drapery emporium. He stated that a very satisfactory feature had been a slight increase in turnover, despite lowei prices which made more extensive trading necessary to reach last year s figures. It was difficult to forecast the prospects for the festive season, but so far the month’s business had exceeded expectations, and was a decided improvement upon that of November. ... ,i “There was more life in the trade on Saturday,” said the principal of another large-scale departmental store, who said that business latterly had lieen spasmodic, but quite satisfactory, considering the times. Some weeks the returns had been up on those of last year and in others down. Popular priced lines of utility were selling well. The furnishing factory had been working at full strength all the year to cope with the demand, although there was keen competition. Trade generally was satisfactory, but. nevertheless, there was room for improvement. October had been a good month, but sales had fallen away in November, a reaction probably in sympathy with the depressed butter market. December had shown a marked improvement. “There is a much brighter tone compared with this period of last year, observed one of the principals of a leading men’s outfitters’ firm. “It appears that the public have kept putting oft the evil day until they have simply got to purchase. Business has increased considerably over that of last year, and there is a generally better feeling, he are anticipating a good Christmas trade.” ~ “The tone of business is quite good, stated the head of one of the city’s largest firms. “People are purchasing economically, and though sales are just as numerous as formerly _ they are of smaller value. The furnishing trade is doing well. People are bare and will spend immediately there is a brightening on the economic horizon. Me expect to have a good Christmas season. “Me recorded 2000 more sales last week than for the same period of the previous year,” said the proprietor of an old-established crockery and fancy goods business in the city. _ “Owing to British manufacturers having reduced their prices, there is now better value offering in crockery. October and September showed an increased turnover, but November was slack. However, it is noiv going ahead well and we aie looking forward to the business of the Christmas season. The figures for Friday and Saturday last were well ahead of those of last year.”