CHRISTMAS TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1923, Page 6

CHRISTMAS TRADE.

THE RUSH STARTED. PEOPLE SPENDING FREELY. More variety of goods. RECORD TRADE EXPECTED. The choosing of the race frock and the hat and stockings to go with it, the determining of what Santa Claus is to put into the diminutive sock and the hopeful pillow-case, and the selection of the hundred and one little presents that simply must be given, together with the collection of the seasonal poultry and ingredients for cakes and puddings, have pushed aside all thoughts of dairy control and the multitudinous other things of mundane interest. The most genuine spirit of Christmas for many years past is, in the air. It is not forced like those of the war years and of the slump, but is infectious in its spontaneity. In the shops, there is an air of brisk business. Shopping had been quiet yet steady up to yesterday, but the “pay out” of the dairy companies on Thursday, as well as the passing over of the weekly envelopes in the town yesterday, brought a full flood of eager purchasers to the shops, and the staffs, cheerful as their patrons, were hard put to it to meet the many calls.

People are reported to be spending more freely, and there is plenty of everything, them to choose from. Something good is still needed; value must be obtained for the shillings and pounds that ar e being passed over the counters, and this year the shopkeepers are in the happy position of being able to give better articles for less money. For the race and the summer frock, pleasingly coloured gowns and frocks, picturesque in themselves, are to be obtained at prices to suit all purseS. As to shade, ladies may wear everything from tan to gold, almond green and resseda green, and she will be fashionable. To go with the frock the milliners will provide a dainty hat, light and airy and seemingly flimsy to mere man, but guaranteed to give good wear, while the shoe stores will provide shoes in keeping at much below last year’s rates. If she will, my lady may also obtain, for a small sum, a bag to carry her powder chamois, handkerchief and loose change. SANTA CLAUS’ EASY TASK. Santa Claus has an easy task this Christmas in filling the needs of his numerous small clients. The prosperous season has made it possible for him to pass down the chimney-pot solidlybuilt tricycles and well-constructed rocking-horses at very reasonable prices. The mechanical toy of Japanese origin has departed (it is expected for good) and in its stead have come the much stronger and more interesting pieces of mechanism from English and French works. Teddy bears still have a big following, while dolls that can shut their eyes and can walk have gratified the wishes of many young feminine hearts. An addition that can be made this year to the confectionery usually added to the Christmas stocking is chocolate cowboys, Indians and soldiers and complete “smoker’s” outfits destined ultimately to find their way into youthful interiors. In the book shops can be found the old nursery rhymes more artistically got up and cheaper in cost, as well as a list of Christmas annuals and boys’ and girls’ books in great variety. Leather goods, glassware, gloves and jewellery are all to be obtained, and found ready buyers yesterday.

RECORD TRADE ANTICIPATED. The Christmas ham is dearer this year than last, but despite this the grocers are selling their supplies fast. To compensate they are offering a host of other seasonable dishes for less than last tear's prices, and, although butter is up to Is lOd, housewives have been surprised to find how cheaply they can obtain all the necessary currants, almonds and raisins for the “duff" and the cake. For dessert, too, muscatels from Spain, and fancy sweets from England. which made their first post-war appearance last year. <an be had in any quantity. New Plymouth’s wealth of picnic spots is also inducing a big demand for tinned goods. With a continuance of yesterday’s brisk trade and fine weather the Christmas trade this year should eclipse all past records.