CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 22, 22 December 1932, Page 8

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

DISTINCT BUSINESS AIR. EARLY AND PRUDENT BUYING. “There is a distinct atmosphere of Christmas business about, and tilings are going with something rather like their old-time swing. People are buying prudently, with wise and thoughtful discrimination. They are making careful selections of practical utility,” commented the manager of one of the city’s leading business emporiums today, when discussing the marked increase in shopping activities which has been perceptible with tho closer approach of the Christmas season. Greater stability in the general weather conditions is stated to have been an assisting factor in stimulating trade. Recent week-ends have been exceptionally busy ones for firms in Palmerston North, and throughout this week tho shopping rush prior to the holidays has manifested itself m earnest. Warm sunny weather has brought people to town with the realisation that the earlier the purchases, the better the choice available. Furthermore, it is considered that, this being a complete shopping week, it has assured steady trade. , Staffs of the larger city firms have been supplemented considerably by the engagement of numbers of assistants to facilitate the service to shoppers. This is one of the gratifying features. Shop premises have ill many instances been decorated in keeping with the traditions of tire season, and their happy appearance is conducive to business. There is a constant stream of shoppers to the more popular departments, and sales, even if not always of high value, are numerous. It has been noticeable that as this week has progressed so has the number of shoppers in town, and to-day the streets bore a very animated appearance though it is yet two days to Christmas Eve. “Business has certainly received a fillip this week,” stated the principal of a largo firm. He observed also that trade was cheerful and eiicomaging. However, he added, there was a lessened sale for gifts of purely ornamental value, service and utility being sought by purchasers. There had been a steady flow of business all tire week, and tho favourable weather had a marked effect in stimulating the sale of summer apparel, the observation was made that Saturday evening trade lmd for months been steadily increasing in the city, and was now an anticipated feature ol the week’s sales returns. Similarly cheerful comment was made by another businessman, who stated that trade was really good, and there was an increased turnover being recorded despite the lower value of most of the purchases. AVearmg apparel was greatly in demand, and last Saturday business was splendid. Stating that last week-end had been tremendously stimulating, the departmental store manager who had commented upon the distinct air ot business in the city added that on •^‘Hurday evening it had been impossible to cope adequately with the rush in some departments, and temporary assistants had to he called in at almost a moment’s notice. Though it was obvious that there was a curtailed spending power, buying activities were uiidiminished in number. Yesterday morning was very busy. f lhe public were responding well, sales stairs were working at full pressure, and business this morning, promised exceptionally well for the day.