SHOPPERS BUSY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 250, 16 December 1940, Page 5

SHOPPERS BUSY

CHRISTMAS BUYING SOME LIMITED STOCKS Christmas shoppers are busy in Whakatane. Gift buying is now in full progress, and although it is a little too early to gauge the volume of business that will be experienced during the peak shopping period, shopkeepers are confident that Christmas trade Avill.be very satisfactory. It is the opinion of some business men that Christmas shopping was commenced somewhat earlier this season. The reason, apparently, is the belief of many people that limited stocks have reduced the range of available goods and only the eariy shoppers Avill have an opportunity to make a selection. Where stocks are available the public appears to be buying freely. Stocks are limited in some lines, hoAvever, and others are in very short supply. I Provision mechants usually experience the Christmas rush earlier than other shops, and for some time now grocery stores have been busy. Overseas stock is practically unavailable, Avith the result that many Christmas feature lines such as crystallised fruits for the fancy packages of special seasonal delicacies are not a\railable. However, locally made stocks are in good supply,' and provision merchants consider that trade will be up to the average. Most of the essential stocks are on' hand and the people are making do without'the usual seasonal luxuries. Although selection of gifts may be slightly more limited this Christmas, there are generally good stocks of excellent gift lines in the shops of Whakatane.