THE DRAPERY TRADE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 1977, 19 November 1921, Page 5

THE DRAPERY TRADE.

BRIGHTENING UP. CHRISTMAS PROSPECTS GOOD. The concensus of opinion amongst Palmerston North drapers is that the trade is undergoing a decided improvement in the matter of sales, and that the prospects for the festive season are bright, and money is much easier than has been the case for several months, but It is a very noticeable fact that people are becoming more judicious when purchasing goods. “Of course,” said one draper, "no matter how hard the times mayi be, the spirit of Christmas always pervades the community in general, with the natural result that spending goes on. Such will undoubtedly be the same this year, but people are not likely to be so reckless. They will buy more particularly in the necessary lines —the purchase of useful articles will predominate —luxuries are sure to fall back.” As regards childrens’ gifts, our informant thought that here, too, the people would consider their buying, and select things of 'practical value. Speaking generally, the drapery trade had picked up considerably during the past few weeks, and the indications of a return to conditions more or less normal were dlstintcly hopeful. Another draper pointed out"to our reporter that his figures for the October month disclosed a greater turnover than for the corresponding period of 1920, while the first two weeks of the present month were also better than was the case for this time last year. April, May, and June of this year were considerably behind. In August and September trade commenced to pick up, but was also below previous figures. This draper’s experience during the last month, October, had forced him to take an optimistic view. One draper expressed the opinion that the extraordinary climatic conditions existing at this period of the year had a great deal to do with the selling of the summer season’s goods. His experience was that one a very fine day people swarmed the shop in search of the lighter articles of dress. Then came a howling gale, with the effect that they rushed back to the warmer apparel. With weather conditions so unsettled, the drapers could not expect to be doing a big business in their summer goods.