Last-minute Rush To Buy Christmas Goods

Chronicle (Levin), 23 December 1949, Page 4

Last-minute Rush To Buy Christmas Goods

Two weeks ago, the normal time for the public to begin Christmas purchases, business men in Levin despaired at the very noticeable slackness in trade and made grim forebodings about a bleak Christmas. However, this week busi» ness has taken a dramatic change and shopkeepers report that ipepple are now making a lastminute rush to'procure goods and gifts for what promises to be the best Christmas since the war. Now- that there is a greater range of goods available, most shopkeepers state that there is a vast difference in the manner of buying. People choose articles with discrimination and there is a definite tendency towards quality rather than quantity. Those who serve behind the counter are beginning to realise that once again the customer is always right. In food lines trade was booming, reported butchers and grocers. Although there was a greater supply of Christmas specialties this year than in previous years, in many instances the demand far exceeded the supply. Those who have electrical and household appliances for sale are not qujte so enthusiastic about a "bumper Christmas'/ in their trade. Since an indication given reqently that the saies tax on these goods would probably be reduced in the New Year, the public has been most reluetant to make purchases. It appears that true to human nature people are delaying to see what is going to happen in the future. Small gifts, ' sheet 'music and records are stated to be in great demand.