St. Paul daily globe., 1885-12-20
CHRIsTMAs PURCHASES.
Thousands of People Out..StOre
Crowded With Buyers.


The beautiful weather of yesterday
caused thousands of ladies and children to
make their appearance outdoors, and the
streets down town were thronged all day
with people attracted by the large and varied
display of holiday goods. 1t was busy
day for the retail merchants and the stores
were crowded during the afternoon and late
into the evening with customers and sight
seers, who were coming and going, making
their purchases or inspecting the thousands
Of novelties displayed in tempting array
upon the counters and tables.
The articles shown this year embrace
many useful and ornamental ones, ranging
in value from comparatively nothing up to
hundreds of dollars. ALI Of the principal
stores and bazars report unusual activity
and large sales for yesterday, the latter be-
ing far in excess Of those of the Saturday
previous to last Christmas. The toy stores
have many new, fancy and ingenious de-
vices and cunningly contrived toys for the
edifcation of the small boy and his sister.
Thousands upon thousands of different ar
ticles, from the cheapest jumping-jack to
the most expensive doll, which, with trous-
seau complete. is valued at $3.50, are ar
ranged in prominent view, and never fail to
attract the eye and excite the admiration of
the little folks; great many of whom ac-
companied their parents on their
shopping expedition. Many purchases of
elegant and costly presents are being
made, and trade among the leading jewelry
houses is brisk. They report that great
many sales are made of expensive novelties
and jewelry. The ladies are the most ex-
tensive buyers, and many expensive watches
and diamonds are being sold, as well as
large sales Of silver and plated ware. One
dealer yesterday made two sales that are
WORTHY OF SPECIAL MENTION
as showing the value Of some Christmas
presents that are being made. One was a
pair of bracelets diamond set. at $500; an
other was solitaire ring at $3.50.
The stationers and bookdealers are not
behindhand in either their exhibition Of
Christmas goods or their sales. and exhibit
many choice and expensive novelties in
their line. Many different kinds of albums
are shown from the cheaper ones at 50 each
up to the plush and alligator covered ones
with easels attached can be had for the
modest sum of $35. Christmas cards. of
which there are nearly a thousand varieties,
range in value from penny up to 81 and
SIS, and toilet boxes go as high as S75 for
the finest. Fine stationery, illuminated
juvenile books and books Of fine engrav-
ings and etchings are shown in abundance
and at all prices. The sales of books are
very large and the character of those sold
varies greatly. A great many books of fine
engravings and etchings are being sold and
the demand for them is larger than for vol
umes of any other description. They range
as high as S35 each in value.
The cigar dealers and confectioners are
having their share of patronage. The former
report many sales. especially to ladies, who
generally select the most expensive brands
for their husbands or gentleman friends.
The confectioners are doing rushing busi-
ness. Candies range from 20 cents per
pound to as high as SIS for some of the fancy
preparations. Taken altogether, the out
look for the Christmas trade Is very .flatter-
ing and every indication promises much
larger trade than that of any previous year.