AMERICAN TOURISTS

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1934, Page 19 (Supplement)

AMERICAN TOURISTS

THE "GOOD OLD DAYS.” There are indications in the West End shopping world in London of a revival of the American tourist season, states an exchange. Not for some years has the flow of trans-Atlantic visitors been so steady, and everything points to a much larger volume of business in the new season. The West End will then assume a really American season atmosphere reminiscent of the “good old days.” American women are shopping specialists. When buying they know what they want—and usually see that they get it. They have a flair for the exclusive, and prefer a “christened” article—the more famous the maker’s name the better. Whether it be the latest model, in British-made leather handbags or a piece of pottery, the purchase must have the distinction of a name.

Inquiries at leading shopping centres elicited the information that the visitors from overseas, from . the U.S.A., Canada, and South America were buying, among other articles: Staffordshire pottery, English leather goods, British sports wear, Scottish furnishing fabrics, British tailored skirts and ties, pipes.

Table pottery in honey buff, old vellum, lavender, green and silver is also popular. Beer sets of jug and tankards with a remarkably beautiful green glaze were being bought. Among attractive novelties were hand-painted water sets in pottery, consisting of jugs and tankards designed in artistic colour schemes in shaded greens or yellows and stone colour.

The attraction of English-made leather work is that it is “so good” and the designs are exclusive. The exquisite colours in which the more expensive designs are produced are an incentive to the shopper looking for something different. Handbags and smart novelty belts, writing cases, and wallets are approved.

The immediate needs of the American tourist are well catered for should it be wished to supplement an English hotel breakfast or dinner table with U.S.A. cereals or delicacies. Large selections of unusual food commodities are displayed at leading stores. A longer American tourist season will bring dress displays into line with other shopping attractions. The exclusive design and cut of English “sports” clothes, which are always important at these shows, are greatly appreciated by well-dressed American women, who love the “hand-woven” look in fabrics. This also, by the way, is one of the attractions of the Scottish furnishing materials.