LOCAL CHRISTMAS TRADE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5070, 31 December 1926, Page 2

LOCAL CHRISTMAS TRADE

SATISFACTORY BUSINESS DONE. INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR. So far as Paeroa retailers are concerned a satisfactory Christmas trade has been experienced. It has been authoritatively stated that owipg to the publicity given in these columns anent Paeroa as a shopping centre, and the values obtainable, as well .as the comprehensive displays by the shopkeepers, people living outside the environs off the town were induced t° make Paeroa their Christinas shopping centre, in several instances for the first time. Indications also point to the fact that those srangers who did shop at Paeroa went .away well satisfied with the values obtainable, and stating that .the town would as suredly receive their custom on future occasions. In conversation with a number o’ retailers yesterday it was learned that the volume of business transacted exceeded that of previous festive seasons. Twb local drapers report a decided increase in turnover, but state that the better quality goods did not find such ready purchasers as did the cheaper lines. Booksellers and . fancy goods retailers report much on the same lines, but it appears .that in their experience it was the cheaper goods- that found the readier sale. Hardware and household ironmongery also met with keen demand, and satisfactory business is reported. Children’s toys, which, if anything, were cheaper than at last Christmas, met with ready sale, and the supplies were equal to the demand. Sweets end confectionery were bought liberally, and many .a young man purchased an expensive box of chocolates tor nis fiancee rather .than suffer the embarrassment of entering a shop were women’s gifts were available. Local garages report good business in petr°l sales during the holidays, and the purchase of lubricating Sils by motorists passing through constitutes a record. This is accounted 'for to a large extent by the heavy rain and bad roads met with, causing water to w’ork ino the oil and reducing its effir - ciency. Generally, a satisfied note was sounded by retailers as to the Christmas trade transacted, and confidence in the future was expressed...