SHOPPERS ABROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20136, 22 December 1928, Page 14

SHOPPERS ABROAD.

FINAL OHRISTMAS RUSH.

BUSY STREETS YESTERDAY.

GOOD VOLUME OF TRADE.

The streets of the city and lending suburbs throbbed with exuberant life yesterday, when gloriously fine weather drew thousands out of doors on a large-scale shopping quest, which filled juvenile arms with a jumble of toys, market-baskets with diverse Christmas wares, and retailers' henrto with great joy. The "shop early" slogan has not gone unheeded, and every day this week has been exceedingly busy for the vendors of thi popular seasonal lines. But yesterday brought the, first sign of the final hectic rush. Queen Street was thronged throughout, the morning and afternoon, and, fortified with the final pay-out before Christmas, larger crowds than ever were abroad in the evening. ' Children flaunted gay balloons or hugged a newbought teddy-bear; parents were at the constant beckonings of eager juveniles, in every second shop window en object of fresh delight; tramcars from all the suburbs, loaded with more shoppors and promanaders, clanged incessantly to clear a way through crowded thoroughfares; a band carolled op a side-street. To-day and Monday still remain for the completion of Christmas purchases. But ihey are especially the days for replenishing the domestic larder against the festive period when the butcher lays aside his chopper for a space, and all but the milkman make brief holiday. Yesterday was the last real opportunity for the buying of gifts, to be distributed wide through the countryside by perspiring postmen. Santa Claus has been forestalled in many Auckland homes, judging by the abundance of toys on show in the streets yesterday afternoon and evening. But they have been nothing more than peace-offer-ings for school-freed children, requiring diversion until Christmas morning. Not until then will the more substantial prizes appear.

Shopkeopers are divided in their estimate of the volume of trade this Christmas, compared with its predecessor. On the surface business is as brisk as ever, but many families have had cause to exercise unusual economy in recent months, and are still cautious in their expenditure. On tho other hand the distinct indications of more prosperous times ahead have had a stimulating effect in the last few weeks. A noticeable trend, however, is the more drastic restriction of purchases to goods of enduring quality. When the Christmas balance-sheet is examined in most retail establishments the popular expectation is tho revelation of a turnover of approximately the same proportions as last Christmas, with the prospect of a slight shrinkage in some instances. The decoration of their shop-fronts on an extensive scale has not been embarked upon by most retailers this year. Greatest reliance has been placed in the subtle appeal of well-dressed windows, bright lights and bargain prices.