Ken. Aitken's

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 December 1913, Page 3

Ken. Aitken's

(By "Stroller.. ,, )

WJulo taking a stroll in Oxford si reel yesterday my eye was struck by the brightness of some of the shops, which have been specially arrayed-for the festive season. Having heard considerable talk about the awful set-back the recent strike would give Christmas trade generally 1 decided to investigate for myself just to what extent the most likely trades had been affected. Probably the one trade that would sutler would bo that of the stationer, catering as he does for" the Christmas card and calendar sender. Another line likely to be affected would be that of the toys and fancy goods. Thus deciding, I visited Mr Ken Ait ken's No. 1 store in ■Oxford street. Once inside u 1 began to cast away all thought of the "awful set-back" to Xinas trade; a glance told me that business was as brisk this year as any previous year. Not content with having the crowded shop and hearing the "summing up of totals'' (which were large) of the customers' purchases, 1' waited for uu interview with Mr Aitkeu. Some say "seeing is believing , ,"' I preterm! to have inside information. At last I got a chance to put my first and all-importaut question, "Has Christmas trade suffered greatly by the strike ?" Mr Aitken assured me that so far as his business was concerned it had not. "I bought large stocks anticipating big business, and I am well satisfied with the results so far, notwithstanding the fact that a large consignment oi my gilt goods arrived late through being held up in Sydney by the strikers," said Mr Aitken, and it certainly looked as if he would have no reason to be dissatisfied with the Christinas business for at that moment Mr Aitken asked to bo excused in order to serve the many customers that were filling the shop in quest of Christmas gift things. Before leaving I took the opportunity of inspecting Mr Aitken's stock and found complete and varied selections m each of the following goods: Books, staitoncry, fancy goods, Christmas and New Year cards and calendars (truly a wonderful variety), autograph albums, gift books, prayer and hymn books, wallets, writing desks and fountain pens. Drifting along Oxford street I halted in front of Ken Aitken's No 2. store, next to Mr Hugh Hall's tobacconist shop where everything is bright and quite ready for Father' Christmas, who will iirrive at :.} o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. Among the many attractions at Ken Aitken's No - store (which lie has appropriately named "Toyland") is "The Wonderful Magic Well," where children get "buckets" full oi toys and other novelties for the small sum of 3d.*** '