A "SHOPPING WEEK"

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2435, 14 April 1915, Page 6

A "SHOPPING WEEK"

TO PROMOTE TRADE SCHEME BEFORE CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. A proposal has been put before the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce that they should lend their assistance in promoting a "Shopping Week" > for Wellington. The idea originated with the National Cash Register Co., and has caught on considerably in lingland and Australia. On Monday next, at 3 p.m., prior to the ordinary meeting of the Central Chamber of Commerce, Mr. W. F. Ponder, of the National Cash Register Co., Wellington, will give an address to the members on the advisability of holding a "Shopping Week" for Wellington. Invitations to be present to hear this address have been extended to members of the Wellington Industrial Association, and any shopkeeper interested in. the Bubjeot is cordially invited, stated the secretary of the Central Chamber of Commerce to a Dominion reporter yesterday.

In New Zealand nothing quite similar to_ a "Shopping Week" or "Carnival" idea has yet been held, but it is claimed that the idea has proved popular in England and other countries. It found a foothold in Australia from May 21 to 30. last year, the first events of. the nature being held at Balmain and Rozelle, suburbs of. Sydney, under the auspices of the, Balmain and Rozelle Traders' and Shoppers' Association. The shopkeepers of those two suburbs entered into the project with a great spirit of enthusiasm and co-operation, and the interesting programme provided, and the new goods attractively displayed in shops and windows' drew crowds of residents and visitors to the shopping district. The business men who planned that carnival, and worked hard to make it a success were convinced, according to information whioh has been gathered, that they were well repaid for their efforts. Their businesses in manv instances weT6 invigorated, and took on new growth, and sales increased in nearly all lines. "Shopping Week" is an annual event in many cities and towns in England, and the endeavour I 3 to be made to have Wellington lead the way in the scheme in New Zealand.

The National Cash Register Co. lias had a schedule drawn _ out 'sWowine what was done at Balmain and Rozelle to make the carnival there a success, and the suggestion is that something on the same lines should be done here. There the shopkeepers formed an efficient organisation,. and appointed committees to handle the various details. The co-operation of the newspapers was gained, and the Press gave write-ups to the displays. A feature was the window display contests between the shopkeepers and traders of the town, and the shopkeepers also arranced for special attractions to draw trade. Instructive and entertaining amusements i were provided, including parades, concerts, sports of various kinds, free matinees for the children, oontests, etc., and suitable prizes ivere offered for exhibits in needlework, cookery, drawings, and paintings for adults, and dressed dolls, map drawing, handwriting for ohildren. as well as othoT kindred lines. All the work was not left_ to the shopkeepers, for the town officials also lent a hand. Their part Included the keeping of the public buildings well lighted, in keeping with the well-dec-orated and brilliantly-liehted business premises. The town, through its officials, entered into the spirit of the carnival and Incurred some expense in doing so. Money was appropriated to meet suoh expenses. City officials also participated in the parades and marches, and they also took extra precaution to see that no accidents happened. The public, it is contended, become better acquainted Tvith shopkeepers and assistants as the result of these "Shoppintr Weeks," and become better acquainted with the coodn handled by the Home merchants. The result in Balmain was that t'hey bought good's which otherwise they would not have purchased, or would have sent elsewhere for. _ A spirit of friendly rivalry was in evidence in all public contests, and mndhinterest was aroused in deciding the winners of the contests. The mingling of neighbours and friends, business men, shopkeepers and traders, all working together for a common cause, brought about a closer community interest, benefiting all citizens of the townß. The Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce is working in tfie same direction At the meeting of the Central Chamber of Commerce on Monday the oh airman nnd_ secretary of the New Zealand Natives' Association will also lav a scheme before members, with regard to "Industries Week," which the Wellington Industrial Association is trying to foster.