BUSINESS IS QUIET

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 80, 28 December 1937, Page 6

BUSINESS IS QUIET

Shops Re-open After Christmas Week-end As tliough in sympathy with those who were obliged to return to work this morning the weather in Hastings was overcast, with occasional liglit and drizzly, or misty rain. Shops re-opened this morning after the three days of holiday, during which the weather was gloriously fine. This morning was. quiet in town, despite the fact that shops were open, There -\vere not many people about, and the majority of those who were strolling round the shops appeared to be visiting holiday-malcers. From the viewpoint of the shop assistants, the lull in the shopping was welcomed, for they themselves liad plenty to occupy their attention and keep their minds of£ the pleasant recollections of the merry Christmas week-end they spent. Following the hectie Christmas Eve shopping rush, the retail premises this morning required attention. Window displays had to be rearranged, with messages of New Year greetings replacing those of Christmas. Inside the stores the counter displays had to be rearranged also; while in every department it was necessary for a snappy survey of the stock to be taken, so that essentially Christmas gifts could be set on one side, and more seasonal goods, befitting the change of spirit engendered by the approach of the New Year, could be given due prominence. "Bread-and-butter" ^ lines, too, had to be replenished, and generally there was plenty to do inside the shops. Retailers expressed themselves as well satisfied with the business transacted before the holiday period. Several said that they had done record business, but the majority were of the opinion that, while perhaps they had handled mere money, it was doubtful wliether tlie ultimate returns would be quite up to those for last Christmas, as there had been a substantial increase m costs and overhead expenses. There was nq complaint, however, from any quarter, and all were anticipating a further rush towards the close of this week, when the New Year holiday period would necessitate a fnrther closing of shops.