PHENOMENAL SALES

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19903, 4 June 1936, Page 8

PHENOMENAL SALES

BUSINLbS AT SHOW. i VIEWS OF EXHIBITORS. ‘ __ i . i EXPECTATIOXS EXCEEDED. ‘ Phenomenal business has been done by staliholders at this year's \\'aikat-O Winter Show. in most cases exhibitors' expectations were far exceeded, sales reaching hitherto unequalled proportions. The show is usually re—garded as more of an advertising med—ium than a selling one, but this year many sales were actually transacted at the stalls Even when inquiries were not from buyers. the general tone was of genuine interest and retailers are confident that future business will result. Traders expressed the general opinion that the Waikato Winter Show is the best advertising medium in New Zealand, comparing more than favourahli‘ from the point of view of com—prehensiveness and attendance with any ‘oiher exhibition. Undoubtedly the more optimistic tone apparent. in every branch of business has been retiected in this year's show. Farmers Buy Freely. Apparently with the expectation or guaranteed prices and their anticipated benefits, farmers have been operating ireely all types of equipment being ,keeniy sought, and transactions have been highly satisfactory. Many stall—jholders recorded cash sales. L‘suaily conservative, the man on the land is beginning to realise the value of tip—tu—dute equipment in mori‘ern farming. .\‘ew milking machines have found a very ilrm demand, the impression of retailers being that dairy farmers, finding it necessary to cur‘tajl expenditure over depression years. are now launching out and furnishing their sheds with modern machines in an effort to keep the standard of their produce as high as possible. Sales of separators have advanced incredibly for a similar reason. \Vith separators. it was noticeable that\buyera were more inclined to consider the higher class article. Sierilisers had been in particularly keen demand. Farmers were evidently making a genuine endeavour to pro< tect their milking gear from the harmful effects of uncleaniiness. .. Farm Machinery. Reflecting the general tone. farm machinery and power pumps were eagerly sought, modern types, embodying the feature of low running ‘Cost, particularly finding favour. Vendors of all types of harvesting gear have given very optimistic reports of the sales resulting from, and act‘ualiy concluded at. the Show. Mowing machines in particular have been readily disposed of. , As with all farm machinery, the inquiry for implements of all classes was phenomenal and casll sales on the spot were not uncommon. The sales records of previous seasons were easily eclipsed. ‘ Interest in Tractors. Extraordinary interest had been displayed in tractors, especially those of the lighter type, a gratifying number of sales being recorded. Salesman are of the opinion that the farmer is at last appreciating the value at motorpower. No doubt an added incentive to buyers was the large selection of tractor-attachments available. As an illustration of the increased mechan—isation on farms one exhibitor stated that a farmer of his acquaintance did not have a horse on his place. In other sections or interest to the farming community, keen inquiry was forthcoming for fertilisers and rubberware. With the former a noticeable feature was the intelligent interest displayed in the selection of suitable manures, while in the latter the general keen tone for milkinS-Shed equipment was maintained. An indication that the housewife is benefiting from the improved economic outlook is shown by the good business in refrigerators, washing and sewing machines and vacuum cleanere. Although radios more than main-i tained the extraordinary demand of‘ recent months, there is evidence that‘ the piano is returning to favour. Demand tor oars. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the exhibition has been the increased i sale of mOiOl‘»Cal‘S, One retailer stated i that he had actually sold cars which could not. be delivered in New Zealand tor at least six weeks. i "1 have attended shows for 12 years i and l have never experienced a bet-i ter one." remarked one salesman, when i commenting on this year's exhibition. Firms have been unable to cope with the situation which has arisen from‘ the unusual number of sales, and shipments of cars in the near future have ‘ been earmarked for distribution to buyers. Retailers agreed that 31- i though the show provided them with a ‘ good advertisement it is not usuaii actually to transact business on the; stands; but this year‘s exhibition hadi been an exception. ‘ ornamental shrubs, trees and plants of all description limo sold exceptionally well, with a \‘cry marked inquiry tor citrus. il‘urihrr indication of the pmuprchrnshe nature of thc pubiie's buying activities, is given by hook i‘etuiirrs, \\iitl report (xvi-client business. l‘fiir‘i‘tdii) with literature of tho refer—euro type. From an advertiser‘s point of view the \\'ttikatu \\‘intvr .\‘hovv cannot be regarded as anyiiiint illlt a great sur—-((-55 and ii is imi, thorvrorr. surpris' in;- to see the tirinuntl for space be—coming kcenrr year by yrar. i