EASTER TRADE HEAVY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 13

EASTER TRADE HEAVY

INCREASE ON LAST YEAR INFLUENCE OF WEATHER Cm* STREETS CROWDED Among the principal Auckland retail business firms it was the general opinion on Thursday that trade during the Easter period of this year showed a marked improvement uj»on that of last year. Although the weather earlier in the week was unsettle.'. Thursday, which was a late night, was fine. and the streets were crowded with people, many of whom had delayed their shopping until the weather was more favourable. I 'Excellent since Monday, and easily better than last year."' were the words used by the manager of one large city depart mental store in describing the Easter trade. "Although business has shown an increase since Christmas, during this week, in particular, a bright tone has prevailed. The demand for Easter confectionery novelties luis been remarkable,"' he said. During the past week there has also been a strong demand for books and" reading material in general. "Trade is definitely better than at Easter of last year, although our returns have shown a steady increase for some months," said the head of a large bookselling and stationery firm. Satisfaction with the state of was also expressed by those in charge of two of the city's drapery stores. '"Trade has been better than that of the corresponding week of last year, but compared with Easter week of last year it is lighter and not up to the same mark. The principal reason for this is the weather, which has been more like summer than autumn. The tendency on the part of the general public to-day is not to purchase until the weather conditions force them to. "March trade generally, however, has been better than last year, and as Easter was later in 1933, business that was secured then may be picked up later on."' he said. Another large drapery store manager ■considered that business compared very favourably with last year, and he had noticed that everybody was shopping with more confidence and a brighter outlook. Li the grocery trade one retailor thought that his figures would show an improvement this Easter as compared with last. There had been a large amount of tinned food and fruit purchased. he said, indicating the intention of many people to spend their holidays out-of-doors This Easter, however, there was a falling off in the purchase of jewellery and the more expensive fancy goods, and business was described as only fair and not as great as that done last year. One firm reported that its returns had shown an increase of 25 per cent during January and February, but that they had fallen off this month. "It is no use worrying about it."' said the manager, "as things are definitely improving."