PRICES CRASH

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1932, Page 15

PRICES CRASH

A RECORD-BREAKING EVENT

"KIEK'S" SALE OPENS

Every woman standing outside the big doors of Kirkcaldie and Stains Js premises yesterday awaiting the hour of 9.30, -when the firm's summer sale began, had in her mind exactly where she was going to run and what she was going to buy. It was a cheery crowd which, grew and grew. Menfolk joined up with their minds filled with thoughts of shirts, ties, socks, and shoes, while an endless buzz of conversation told that nerves were tingling and pulses racing. When the doors were opened there was a surge forward and—but no, only a certain number of the big crowd was allowed in, and the unlucky ones had to wait.

Once inside, the lucky ones seemed to sprout wings on their feet, for they literally flew. One buyer flew so far that she arrived in the window in full sight of those still outside and proceeded to strip the demure wax models unassisted, and marched triuphantly to a counter to pay for her spoils. ' ' • ' :

By 10.30 the staid walls of Kirkcaldie and Stains quivered under the tornado of breathless people, who rushed baskets up the stairs to gratify their wants. The. staff, bracing themselves to the onslaught, capably and calmly dealt with the rush of business. Almost complete silence reigned, only the murmured words ."Is 3d a yard," or "Your change, thank you," were heard.

Such a vast buying crowd has seldom if ever been seen in -Wellington. To the onlooker it' was a revelation. Money went out of purse's and parcels went into baskets at almost incredible speed. • At the stocking counter the crowd was six deep. It seemed almost necessary to have a knowledge of jiu-jitsu or football tackling to get into the front rank, but everything came to him or her who waited.

In the footwear department shoes suspended on stands drew attention to their outstanding values when the onslaught of eager buyers set them swaying to and fro. Buyers, balancing on one foot, handbag perilously swinging, were found trying on. Ehoes oblivious to the fact that the mato, attached by a. string, was on a follow shopper's foot!

Outstanding bargains in the men's department drew a crowd of menfolk, who were no less keen than their wives, though perhaps their combined efforts were the most effective.

There was an atmosphere of kindly fellowship at this sale. Bargains were pointed out by one to another, and purchases were made for those at home.

. One buyer declared that she had bought all of her, presents for the comitig weddings of the yearl A far-away look came into a listener's eye, and she hastily elbowed her way through about seven hundred people to the china department. . Here again she found a crash in prices. • Tea sets, dinner sets, the ever-popular willow pattern plate, crystal vases, jugs, and goblets were all heavily marked down. She went out staggering with parcels, in.which were the year's gifts.

Upstairs dresses were tried on endlessly, and the trouble was to decide which of the many pretty and inexpensive frocks should be the final choice. Hats, too, and children's wear were in similar variety.

"Where are some table mats?" inquired one bargain-hunter. "I don't see any."; . \ ' t .. " ' ' "There will bo a large assortment placed out to-morrow, madam," replied the assistant, and one more customer went away determined to be early at the sale next morning. The absence of dividing walls on the main floor was a distinct advantage, and buyers were able to get a good view of the goods displayed. Every department was going at top speed all day, Some counters bearing1 the notice, "Sixpence everything," printed in large red letters, were soon bare^—not a single thing was left. All over the floor by about 3 p.m. was a thick layer of white dockets—all dispensed with—the whole shop looked as though a tornado had swept through

Not even at lunch time did the crowd diminish; indeed, it got larger. Every section, of tie community was catered for. the town the talk was all of "the Jala.'' In buses, trams, and trams warm-faced women, hidden nader brown paper and string, talked "sale." .

What a wonderful rusb and what real bargains the buyers found.

(Published by arrangement.)