CHRISTMAS TRADE IN CITY

Southland Times, Issue 24623, 20 December 1941, Page 8

CHRISTMAS TRADE IN CITY

Satisfactory In View

Of Times

The outbreak of war in the Pacific I has had an effect on Christmas shopping in Invercargill. The unfavourable weather during the last two days has also curtailed, to some extent, the usual Christmas rush. Nevertheless, in spite of these drawbacks, business men of the city, when interviewed by The Southland Times yesterday, expressed the opinion that the Christmas trade was satisfactory in view of the times. The Friday before Christmas is usually a busy day for business firms and the streets are ’usually thronged. Despite the boisterous weather a large number of persons was on the streets yesterday, but the number was not as large as in previous years. The petrol restrictions have played a major- part in preventing country people coming to the city during the last week, and as a result a comparatively small number of farmers was in Invercargill. The purchases of those who did manage to reach the city were no doubt influenced by the fact that it. would be their last visit before Christmas.

“Business is going as well as can be expected in these times,” said the manager of one of the city’s stores.

“There seems to be plenty of money around, but there is a noticeable lack of enthusiasm on the part of customers compared with previous years.” Many lines were in short supply, but where possible, he said, these had been made up by New Zealand-made goods. There was still a large variety of articles for sale and the casual observer would probably not notice any difference in the shop displays.

POSITION SATISFACTORY Another business man, a manager of one of the city’s largest stores, said that his firm had noticed little or no difference in the volume of business compared with the same period last year. In fact there had been a slight increase. The public still remained interested and patronized the store in spite of the war, the unfavourable weather and petrol restrictions. There was, perhaps, a slight wane in enthusiasm, but working on his firm’s results he thought the position most satisfactory. Wooden toys provide an example of a substitute. They are of New Zealand manufacture and are taking the place of the cheaper sorts of mechanical toys, which are now unobtainable. They are well made and although they have no motive power they are likely to j last longer and to give quite as much satisfaction to the children as the cheaper sorts of mechanical toys. This | is an interesting development because I it shows what can be accomplished in i the Dominion if the need arises.

The toys, which are on sale at toy dealers, are in great demand, according to one dealer. Tire fact that these toys were strongly built was noted by parents of many children, he said. There was a large range available and a variety to suit all tastes. The sale of Christmas cards was also very popular, said the dealer, and he thought there was a likelihood of an increase in the sales compared with last year. Although many lines had been drastically curtailed a large variety of goods was still offering. The most popular articles apart from wooden toys were gifts suitable for soldiers, such as holdalls and money belts.