Not everyone knows, but a paradise for shoppers is Helsinki. Finnish things are difficult to call cheap, although their cost is often lower than in Russian capitals, but they are very original, high-quality. In addition, going on a shopping tour to Finland, you can guess for the season of sales.
Markets and shops in Helsinki - where to go and what to buy?
There are a lot of shops in the city, both small and rather large. Usually, they start their work from 7-9 in the morning and finish by 20-21 pm. On Saturday, it's better to plan your shopping before lunch, and on Sunday to devote time to sightseeing, as most of the boutiques and shopping centers are closed, unless of course, in the high season or the threshold of a big holiday.
In Finland, such brands as H & M, Seppäla, Zara, Only, Finn Flare, Dress Man are popular. These and many other brands can be bought at such well-known sale centers:
- network of department stores and outlet Stockmann,
- network of Antilla department stores;
- Lindex chain store;
- Mall Iso Omena;
- Jumbo shopping center;
- shopping center Kampii.
Strong alcohol is offered by the only retail chain "Alco", light alcoholic drinks you will meet in ordinary grocery supermarkets.
A lot of interesting can be found in the markets of the city. They are divided into flea, industrial and food. Walterry is a flea collapse, Hietalahti is a market where you can admire and buy antiques, art objects. The Kauppatori market square is interesting not only for shopaholics, but also for tourists. In winter and autumn, fresh fish are sold here, including herring, seafood, in the summer - delicious green peas. Having visited the Hakaniemi market, you can stock up on souvenirs - wooden deer, trolls.
A good time for shopping
Sales in Helsinki traditionally take place after Christmas (from December 25 until the end of January) and after Ivan Kupala (from June 20 to August). In this country, the decline in prices is not fictitious, but the real thing. If there is a sign with the inscription "Alennus" or "Ale" on the store, then this is not the advertising move of the store, but your excellent opportunity to buy wonderful, fashionable things with a 50-70% discount.
Some large stores arrange additional discount periods, for example, going on a shopping trip to Helsinki in October, be sure to take part in the "crazy days" of the Stockmann department store, Sokos.
By the way, discounts in Finland can be not only because the collection is obsolete, but also because of the birthday of the store or the fine mood of its director. Finns are jealous of their reputation, so it happens that things are discounted for a minor marriage. Information about this will be written on the price tag.
Shopping in Finland - where to go?
The city of the best shopping in Finland is considered to be Helsinki, but it is possible to "buy" more close to Russia, for example, in the city of Lappeenranta. Russian tourists, mainly, go to the shopping center Armada, Family Center, RajaMarket, which contain a huge number of stores and delight the assortment of products in a variety of directions.
In another city - Turku, you can buy farm goods, fur products, shoes, textiles and jewelry. For all this, you can go to the huge shopping centers Hansa or Skanssi.
In the village of Kotka should go, if you need cheap things. Euromarket is known for its budget prices.
Where is the best shopping in Finland, can only tell those who have visited this country. Therefore, if you need a good down jacket, a fur coat, a cozy woolen sweater , sports equipment, wood products, dishes, go for them to this country.