SHOPS ARE BUSY

Waipa Post, Volume 43, Issue 3392, 24 December 1931, Page 4

SHOPS ARE BUSY

BUYING FOR CHRISTMAS.

LITTLE LAVISH SPENDING.

Cautious inquiry on the part of shoppers is a notable feature of this year's Christmas trade. Purchases are confined in the main to utility" articles that are inexpensive, anthing in the nature of or. luxury goods are almost negl4Pfed. " This is certainly a utility jjpristmas," said the manager of one large store. One of the most noticeable features of this year's Christmas trade, he added, was the way people had postponed their buying until the' last moment. In his experience he; had never seen such a last-minute rush. The result had been that his firm had done business during the last day or so that would normally be spread over a period of two to threesWeeks.

' People are not buying the expensive luxury gifts that they used to in the past," he continued. " There is an enormous sale for handkerchiefs, hosiery, and other inexpensive but serviceable articles. People are very cautious "in their buying, and everybody is looking for the most for their money.

CHILDREN NOT NEGLECTED.. ] " Whatever happens it is clear parents are not going to let their children be deprived of presents at Christmas, for the toy business has never been better," said another shopkeeper. "It is true that there is not the same demand for expensive lines, but sales of moderately-priced toys are ahead of previous years. The individual purchasing power this year ia lower, but the volume of articles sold is greater. Business has exceeded my expectations, and is much better than, Was anticipated." The manager of another store said his firm was serving customers, bv& that the purchasing power per head' was less. The demand generally was for utility gifts of medium price in preference to the high-class, costly-y article. This year people were more ' cautious in their buying. The fine weather, he concluded, had done much to engender a Christmas spirit. Many new novelties are to be seen in the toy shops. The retention by Britain of the speed records on land, in the air, and on the water has captured the imagination of British youth as never before, and what could be more natural than that the toy-makers should duplicate such wonders as the Blue Bird, the Vickers-Supermarine seaplane, and Miss England 11. to perpetuate in miniature the glorious achievements of Britain's speed heroes ? Model aeroplanes are among the most attractive features of the toy displays this Christmas. A pleasing feature is the encouragement given to youngsters to make their own toys. Working models of steam engines, petrol engines, stationary pumps, and other forms of machinery also have a prominent place in the toy section. For the girls there is the usual assortment of dolls, this year more life-like and more gorgeously dressed! than ever before. *-* TABLE DELICACIES. *

The provision merchants are well stocked with hams, dried fruits, puddings, and other delicacies, but the increased demand for these lines over the counter is confined to this week, though many orders were placed beforehand.

There is no limit to the type of goods that can be given as presents, and jewellers, booksellers, tobacconists, and others who deal in novelty lines are receiving a share of the festive trade. In keeping with the times, most . of the retailers have made special displays. Not only are their shop interiors and windows brighter than usual, but several have arranged special lighting effects around their verandahs and doorways, while it is understood that gaily-coloured streamers across the streets are part of the scheme.

Shoppers should note that they will require to make adequate purchases this afternoon or this evening to tide them over until Monday morning, for all local shops will be closed on Friday and Saturday. Next week thesame two days will again be observed as holidays, but there will be nio Wednesday half-holiday.