Pages

Friday 4 December 2015

Christmas shopping advice

Christmas wasn't put on hold because there was a war on.  The Durham Advertiser gives some advice for shoppers in 1915.  These extracts, however, are from the edition of 24 December so this must be for the last minute shoppers.  The piece titled 'Smart Footwear', shows that some gift ideas are enduring.

Embroidered postcard with Christmas image (D/DLI 13/2/210)
D/DLI 13/2/210 embroidered postcard
CHRISTMASTIDE.  ROUND THE DURHAM SHOPS
The following article showing the preparations made by the principal tradesmen of Durham to cope with the demands of Yuletide, is in continuation of that which appeared in our last week issue. Our advice as to early shopping appears to have had good results, and during the past week shopkeepers have been oppressed with the cheerful burden of attending to the wants of legions of customers desirous of selecting Christmas presents for those near and dear to them. Time is getting short and the Christmas shopper must busy about and complete his or her purchases before the pick of the bargains have been swallowed up. A further list of Durham tradesmen who are offering special facilities for securing gift articles at moderate prices is given below.

HOLLY FOR THE DECORATIONS 
Mr W. Lightfoot is offering some smart floral and holly decorations for Christmas at his three well-stocked establishments at Nos. 1 and 79, North Road, and at the Avenue Corner, and there is also obtainable every kind of choice fruit, boxes of figs, dates, etc. for the dessert table.

TOY AND FANCY DEALERS 
War or no war, we must not forget the kiddies this Christmas, and the delights of Santa Claus must be present in every home where the merry, happy prattle of the little Toddles is to be heard. There are toys galore at Mr T.A. Middleton’s, and the juvenile stocking can soon be filled by a visit to No. 15, Elvet Bridge. Every description of toy, mechanical and otherwise, is on sale, and at prices which will readily admit these children’s delights into every home.

SMART FOOTWEAR 
A smart pair of slippers, boots, shoes, or gaiters are always a most acceptable form of Christmas present, and the widest choice is to be had at “Stantonia,” No. 1, Claypath. Here we have a really smart display of seasonable stocks of footwear, and despite the prevailing high prices, the goods are very reasonably ticketed. A special line is made of ladies quilted satin slippers, which are offered in all colours at 1st 10d per pair instead of the usual price of 2s 11d. Men’s slippers in felt, carpet, Morocco, and glace kid, are also offered as Christmas presents, and surely a more useful gift for one’s gentlemen friend could not be given. 

No comments:

Post a Comment