BETTER BUSINESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22209, 9 September 1935, Page 10

BETTER BUSINESS

STEADY IMPROVEMENT MORE RETAIL BUYING GOOD WEEK'S TRADING CHEERFULNESS AND SPRING The fine weather of the past week lias started, with practical effect upon business, to turn the thoughts of the community toward spring. The cheerfulness of the tunny dayji has been reflected in mow cheerful buying and in increased inquiries from intending buyers, so that retailers were able to report on Saturday that the upward trend in business was still proceeding on sound and steady lines It was pointed out that whilo, in many lines of rotail trade, it was a.s yet a little early ror the full momentum of spring buying to set in, the movement had started with an encouraging indication of what was to bo expected in the near future. The definite improvement in trade over the past year bad shown a consistency, in welcome contrast to the erratic movements of previous years, uhieh provided a solid foundation on wiiich retailers had laid plans for what they confidently expect to bo the best spring seaspn for several years. Best for Several Years " The past week was the best we have had at this season for some years," said a director of one large departmental store. " A significant feature, too, was that mnn appeared as greater buyers than formerly. Women seem to have made up their minds and gathered confidence much earlier." A shoe retailer aaid business had been on the up-grade definitely for the past 18 months and the volume pf business now being done was greater than for the past three or four years. What was perhaps more encouraging was that better quality goods were beir g demanded, and some people had purchased ahead for the summer. The tendency this summer would bo toward a lighter coloured uhoe, with a large proportion white. Better Quality Goods This demand for goods of bettor quality was con irmed by retailers i;n other lines of business, although the managing directcr of one firm said purchasing power an yet had not reached a capacity which allowed people uo fully indulge their tastes. Within these limits sales of be ;ter quality goods were taking place, which was an encouraging indication of the improved business which would ensue when the tide of prosperity had s3t in more strongly. One clothing retailer said it was a usual thing for ,men with limited incomes to make preliminary inquiries about prices and materials in adva.nee of their seasonal purchasing. These inquiries had set in in greater volume than last year, indicating a much brighter prospect for business and a more cheerful attitude of mind than had been witnessed for som« time.