Bright Christmas, Businessmen Say

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1939, Page 2

Bright Christmas, Businessmen Say

“Business couldn't be better.’

Mr. N. S. Franklin said this today in discussing shopping during the early part of this week. Yesterday was described as a "wonderful shopping day." Since the 20th, when dairy cheques were received, business has been brisk and there has been a typical Christinas atmosphere. Business in his shop is better now than j( was at the same time last year, Mr. Franklin said.

“A good week’s trading, surprisingly good by comparison with what we expected," was the comment of a Whangarei men’s outfitter. Farmers Ready to Spend.

‘•Farmers are ready to spend money," said the representative of a firm supplying Veterinary requirements.

His sales this December, compared with .the four previous Decembers, constituted a record.

There was something in the suggestion that farmers felt there might be a shortage of drugs and that they would go up in price, he said. It was impossible to forecast the trend of Christmas business, said Mr. J. S. T. Tudehope. Up to the present time, this week's business had been quite good, but Mr. Tudehope could not say how trade would compare with last Christmas. Not Quite So Good.

Many people left their shopping to the week-end and there was the probability of a rush tomorrow and Saturday. Over the period up to Saturday last, figures showed the position to lie not quite up to last year’s standard, Mr. Tudehope said. The manager of a motor tyre service station was not hopeful of exceptional business.

Ho had not experienced brilliant returns this week but said motorists invariably leave the purchase of tyres until last. It was possible that sales might increase at the week-end, he said.