RECORD TURNOVER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21304, 24 December 1940, Page 4

RECORD TURNOVER

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BIG DAY YESTERDAY “I have been in business in Hamilton for over 20 years, and have never known such a busy pre-Christmas shopping day as yesterday,” was an opinion expressed today. The speaker explained that the Monday before Christmas in other years had not been remarkable for heavy buying in the shops, but no matter what day in the week had preceded December 24 there was never one to equal yesterday. Inquiry in several shops of varied character, from large to small, brought in effect the same response. All were pleased with the volume of business transacted. Staffs had been working at high pressure right from the opening hour in the morning. Customers were, in the main, seeking value. There was no careless buying, or little of it, and money was available for articles in the higher range of prices, such as furniture, jewellery and wearing apparel. The department stores also had an exceedingly busy day, and there must have been figures created well ahead of last year’s daily totals. Today commenced with light rain, and this was expected to restrict the volume of business, though not to any great extent. There seemed to be just as many cars in the business area this morning as at the same hour yesterday. “We won’t worry, even if it really rains this evening," commented a retailer. His preChristmas takings had, he said, already exceeded those of last year.