The amount of shopping the Russians do at Stockmann is constantly increasing and better service for the Russian tourists is regarded as so important that from the beginning of December the store will accept roubles as payment, Helsingin Sanomat reports.
During their trips to Finland, average Russian tourists buy first and foremost food, such as fish. The next item on the list is adult clothing, followed by kitchenware and other household articles.
The value of tax-free purchases by the Russian visitors grew in January-September 2012 by more than a quarter year-on-year. The overall number of trips and overnight stays was also on a steep upward path.
The most affluent Russian tourists come to Finland from the Moscow region, a recent study reveals. The visitors from Moscow had clearly more overnight stays and used more services than tourists from elsewhere in Russia. On the other hand, they purchase less foodstuffs and goods to take back home with them.
The Federation of Finnish Commerce chief economist Jaana Kurjenoja warned that Tallinn and Stockholm are tough competitors when it comes to attracting travelers from Russia. Tourism from Russia to both Estonia and Sweden has increased significantly this year.
