THE SHOPS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 304, 24 December 1896, Page 2

THE SHOPS.

As usual at Christmas time, the little folk are oh the look-out for " Santa Claus," and stockings and boots are all ready to be put out for the visit to-night. But even " Santa Claus '' himself could not get along without doing a little shipping, and for his especial benefit some of our shopkeepers have got in some nice stocks and have "dressed" their windows very effectively, as will be seen when they .are lighted up to-night. In Trafalgar streot there is a great display of Christmas and New Year novelties and pretty cards at Mr H. D. Jackson's, where they have opened up 20 cases of fancy and presentation goods from the best London houses. At J. E. Hounsell and Co.'s establishment, Trafalgar street, there is a tempting array of new toys, books, albums, Christmas and New Year cards. The novelties are fresh from the best makers, and as an indication of their cheapness it may bo added that there are 3d, 6d, Is, and 2d tablea. In Hardy street there is a splendid display in the fancy goods lino at Mr Snodgrass's Staiforshire House. The extent and variety of tho stock aro equal to anything in the same line in tho colony. It includes ornamental and useful goods suitable for presentations, bazaars, and Christmas trees. There has been quite a run on Staffordshire House lately and doubtless it will be well patronisod by purchasers on their usual Christmas Evo rounds, dealers lino. One of, tho most attractive displays in Bridge-street is made at A. Oakoy's, whore thero aro toys, juvenilo attractions, glassware, china, loather goods, otc. The stock is a very complete one and almost anything in the fancy goods lino can be obtained at Oakey's. Mr Starr, Bridge-street, also makes a good show in trumpets, etc., which should draw the small boys. "Roll up " "Roll up" is tho invitation given by the Nelson Bon Marche where they are " giving away " (tho prices being so low) lots of useful and fancy goods. Tho Bon Marche iu Hardy-street is wellknown. Miss Riiuun of Hardy-street, shows dolls, toys, boxes, albums, etc.. and a great variety of fancy goods. The drapers' and millinurs shops' are all nicely " dressed " for the occasion and to-night will bo lighted up. No doubt thoy will huvo a fair sharo of tho public patronage Tho grocors should do a good business though all the materials for tho Christmas puddings wore purchased in the woek.