Christmas shoppers are defying recession

Regardless of weak economic outlook, Finns intend to spend more money on food and gifts than last Christmas

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The Federation of Finnish Commerce estimates that the Christmas trade will increase by around four per cent this year, even though the general economic prospects are rather grey.
      According to the results of a survey commissioned by the Federation, almost 80 percent of Finns intend to spend on Christmas preparations and gifts the same amount of money or more than last year.
     
Finns do not scrimp on food...
     
One can tune into the Christmas atmosphere when queueing for the checkout counter at any supermarket.
      For the foodstuffs trade, this is the busiest week in the entire year. When compared with a normal week, the amounts of food sold are double.
     
Sales of alcohol double...
     
During Christmas week, about 1.8 million Finns are expected to drop by the state-owned Alko liquor stores, which is 400,000 customers more than on any other week of the year.
      They will carry home about 3.7 litres of alcohol of various types per capita, which is double the quantity they drink at any other time of the year, estimates Alko.
     
Gadgets and widgets top the list...
     
Every year, there are certain mechanical devices that are sold out before Christmas.
      At present, Angry Birds (in myriad forms, including soft toys, board games, and card games as well as the electronic game itself), robot bugs, capsule coffee machines, and tablet computers are topping the list.
     
Rail traffic is enjoying high season...
     
This is the busiest period of the year for the Finnish Railways, VR, as was noted in our other article today.
      Today and tomorrow, a total of 50,000 passengers a day will travel from Helsinki to other parts of the country.
      However, with the exception of Lapland, the number of scheduled flights has been reduced between Christmas and Epiphany, reports the national carrier Finnair.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  At Christmas, Finns appreciate quality wines and spirits (8.12.2011)
  Concerns over economy dampen Christmas sales (7.12.2011)

Links:
  Federation of Finnish Commerce

Helsingin Sanomat