SUNSHINE AHEAD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20104, 24 March 1928, Page 6

SUNSHINE AHEAD

DARK DAYS PASS TURMOIL IN THE DRAPERY TRADE. There is no denying the fact that AVanganui drapery establishments have had a strenuous existence during the last few months. Times have been hard, and a painful process of readjustment has caused many sleepless nights, but the corner has now been turned and a new era of prosperity is confidently being looked forward to. During the summer season no fewer than six such firms have gone into liquidation. It is an ill wind that blows no one any good, however, and .vliiJe the firms have been experiencing a more or less loan time, the public has availed itself of tho orgy of realisation sales. A line of towels ordinarily selling at 30s picked up for 12s 6d, and a boy's belt previously priced at 2s 6d goes for 9d. But after the storm the sun will shine, and remaining retailers may expect reasonable trade after the" general clean-up.

To a certain extent some, businesses suffered through a persistent attitude of pessimism adopted by the retailer himself. In these days of fashion and fickle feminine whims the shopkeeper may easily be trapped. Dozens of expensive lines must be stocked, and very often the draper gets his fingers burned. Aladame demands Spanish shawls and consequently these are supplied to the showroom from the warehouse where they arc disposed of by the halfdozen and the dozen. But before the man behind the counter can effect a clearance, the season ends and he finds himself with stock that is a dead loss. Even business acumen does not always save him.

And so it is that drapers would -welcome stablilised prices and a steady demand. Violent fluctuations are bad for any trade, and now that normal conditions are established they feel themselves on the threshold of a new era.