BRISK TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22389, 8 April 1936, Page 14

BRISK TRADE

EASTER SHOPPING BESt FOR MANY YEARS VARIED BUSINESSES BENEFIT SATISFACTION OF RETAILERS The approach of the Easter holidays has resulted in increased business in Auckland shops. Easter eggs, wedding presents, new suits, and engagement rings—all special lines associated with the season—have been bought to a greater extent than in previous years, while general business also shows an improvement. Retailers expressed tlio opinion yesterday that the Easter trade this year was likely to be outstanding. "Business is brighter than it has ever been before at Easter," said the manager of a leading firm of tailors and outfitters yesterday. "Our tailoring department has been exceptionally busy, and we had to refuse further Easter suit orders nearly two weeks ago." The manager of another firm said the tailoring department had been working hard during the last few days to cope with a rush of orders which had not been equalled since Christmas. Business had been brisk in practically all departments, and better than at tho same time List year. Easter Weddings

Engagements, and the number of Easter weddings, usually mean better business for jewellers, and this year has not proved an exception. "Wo are very pleased with our business this year," said a jeweller, referring to the sale of engagement and wedding rings. "It is the best we have had since 1930, and the sales during the last few weeks have beaten previous records," Proof that large numbers of people will be travelling this Easter was provided yesterday by the manager of a department store dealing in lowerpriced goods, who described the sale of Buitcases as "phenomenal." He also mentioned that "kitchen" eveningß for brides-to-be had been a factor in increasing the sale of saucepans, kettles and other kitchen ware during the last few weeks. "There has been a definite improvement in business, and this is the best Easter we have had for several years," ho said. "A feature of the trade is that it has been exceptionally early." Easter Eggs Sell Well

Easter eggs and similar novelties are always in demand at this time, and sales have been remarkably good. Shopkeepers who sell them have noticed, however, that customers are showing a preference for the ordinary type of Easter egg, although the familiar gifts now masquerade as rabbits, chickens and various other animals. It is expected that there will be a large increase in sales to-morrow evening, which is the late shopping night. Provision merchants have experienced brisker business during the last few days, mainly with those people who intend to spend the holidays camping or yachting. One grocer stated that he had had several large orders for yachts, while ordinary business had nlso been good. He expected to be busier tomorrow, as people usually bought above their usual needs to tide them over the holiday period.