EARLY SHOPPING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 33, 14 December 1943, Page 5

EARLY SHOPPING

SHORTAGE OF STOCKS

''FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED"

"People are. shopping early this Christinas as they have done for the last four or five years,," stated the manager of a large store in Whakatanc. This, opinion seems to be. shared by the majority of shop-owners who, in answer- to inquiries made, stated; that for the last fortnight there had been a steady demand for gifts. "I] think people, are shopping early to secure the best selection offering," it was stated. "AVc have only limited supplies and it is a ease of 'first come, first served.' " ''Since the. outbreak of war luxury lines have gradually disappeared and -have been replaced by utility goods," stated another shopkeeper. . Many .shoppers arc securing cou-pon-free gifts early as; there will be a big demand for such lines.. Cosmetics, handbags and novelties are selling well as they are. practical as well as ornamental. "We, have been selling Christmas gift's steadily for over a fortnight now," said»a men's outfitter. "Our trouble i.s shortage of stock, which applies to most businesses at present," lie continued. China was being purchased early b3 r Christmas shoppers,, said a hardware merchant. There were, however, few tilings coming in so the early shoppers were, .securing the best selection.

"I think we have a better selection of fancy goods than we have had for many years/' said a bookseller. ''Novelties are> also in good supply and arc being bought rapidly, as also are toys for children," she said. Although there will be the usua> last-minute rush, many people seem to be. sensibly spreading their Christmas shopping over a ' longer period, commented another shopkeeper.