Finland is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of economy, and the quality and environmental friendliness of Finnish products are known far beyond the borders of the state. This also applies to products, and household goods, and things. Therefore, shopping in Finland is very popular among residents of Russia, especially since you can go to nearby cities, for example Imatra or Lappeenranta, even in one day. The travel expenses will pay off completely, especially if you go shopping during the period of discounts and sales.
Discounts and sales period
The sales period in Finland, like in other European countries, occurs twice a year. Summer sale begins after the holiday of Ivan Kupala - at the end of June, and winter - after Christmas, somewhere from December 27.
Prices for winter toys and decor items go down a few weeks before Christmas. The cost of other products during the discount period begins to decline by 25-30% in the first weeks, up to 70% and higher by the end of the sale period, about a month after its start. However, by this time, the assortment has also dropped significantly - it is already much more difficult to choose a thing of the right size.
In addition to such seasonal sales, by the end of each month, large brands often give out clothes from the previous delivery with big discounts (from 25 to 50%).
The Stockmann shopping center organizes its own sales twice a year: the time when you can buy cheap clothes here, not only from past, but also new collections, comes in April and October. Due to the great excitement among buyers, the days of discounts at Stockmann were called "crazy". The catalog of products eligible for promotions is published in advance on the shopping center's website.
Another interesting event for shopaholics is the so-called General Cleaning Day in the capital of Finland. Every last Saturday in May and August, everyone is allowed to sell everything. Helsinki these days is like one huge flea market.
Souvenirs and gifts: what to bring from Finland
Finland is the birthplace of Santa Claus and the Mummies, so buying statuettes of these characters will be a very significant gift for both adults and children. Of the popular souvenirs, the following can be noted:
- Finca. The traditional Finnish product is a short knife with a thick blade and a handle made of wood.
- Kuksa (Guksi) - a small cup carved from wood (traditionally it should be a birch burl - a growth on a tree). 2 holes are made in the handle through which the lace is passed. Previously, it was an indispensable attribute for Finns in hiking, now it is more considered a talisman that brings good luck.
- Ryu (Ryu) - traditional Finnish rugs. Bright and colorful, natural, hand-made products will adorn any interior.
- Clothes, textiles, household goods in the national Finnish style from the local design company Marimekko.
- Various sauna accessories (brushes, essential oils, towels, tar).
As a gift for those with a sweet tooth, you can bring Finnish candies from Salmiakki liquorice, and adults will like the mint liqueur Mintu, the most famous Finnish alcoholic drink.
Opening hours of outlets
Regardless of which direction for the shopping tour is planned, it is important to know in advance the operating schedule of Finnish shops, markets and supermarkets.
Sunday is a day off in Finland, most malls and shops are closed. Also, do not forget about local holidays, so as not to come for shopping in vain. It is important to remember dates such as the second Thursday in May - the Feast of the Ascension, the first Saturday in November - All Saints Day, December 6 - Independence Day, and December 25 - Christmas.
As for the opening hours, the following schedule usually applies here:
- shops - from 9:00 to 18:00 (19:00), Saturday - a short day - until 14:00;
- shopping centers (malls), supermarkets - from 9:00 to 21:00 and from 9:00 to 17:00 (18:00) on Saturdays;
- Markets are from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm (weekdays) and from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm (4:00 pm) on Saturdays.
There are separate weekend markets that are open on Saturdays and Sundays all day.
Finland offers many opportunities for shopaholics: there are large shopping malls with branded goods, flea markets for vintage lovers, and outlets with the best prices.
Shopping in Helsinki
Helsinki remains the largest city for shopping. The central street of the city - Aleksanterinkatu or Aleksanterinkatu - is the concentration of the most popular boutiques, shops, shopping centers.
To shop for fashionable clothes and other goods in Helsinki, head to the malls:
- Ithacheskus is one of the largest shopping centers in the whole of Northern Europe, with 240 stores, with a total area of 96 thousand m3;
- Stockmann is a huge center for the whole block, where you can buy everything - from clothing and household goods to gourmet foods and fine perfumery;
- Forum - 5 floors, more than 120 stores, smaller size than Stockmann, but also more affordable pricing;
- Sokos - the main focus on women's and men's clothing, cosmetics, household goods;
- "Kamppi" is a multifunctional complex containing a shopping center and a transport terminal, the area of the center is 135 thousand m3, more than 150 stores.
Shopping centers in other cities
The largest malls offering any kind of goods are located in many cities of the country. It is recommended to pay special attention to:
- Jumbo shopping center in Vantaa, a city close to Helsinki. Address: Vantaanportinkatu, 3, 01510. Jumbo website with a list of shops, products and other useful information.
- The city bordering the Russian Federation is Lappeenranta. Here you can visit several large malls at once:
- Family Center - a modern shopping center in the Myllymäki area, where you can buy fashionable clothes from famous brands, household goods, household electrical appliances, toys; the highlight of the center is an indoor entertainment complex for children (website);
- a 5-minute walk from the Family Center is the "Grand Orchid" - a fashion outlet center that attracts fans of the classic world brands Trussardi, Polo, Baldinini, Cavalli (website);
- Shopping center "Gallery" - the widest range of clothing, footwear for children and adults, toys, cosmetics, household goods (Galleria website).
- Another popular city among shoppers is Turku, two hours' drive from Helsinki. You can also get here by a direct bus flight from St. Petersburg: 8 hours, and you are in Finland. Immediately go to one of the two large shopping centers located here: Hansa (more than 150 shops, located near the train station) and Skanssi (over 100 shops, located almost in the city center).
- For Russians living in the Northwestern Federal District, it is convenient to travel to the city of Joensuu. You can visit here on weekends, combining a pleasant vacation with shopping. The largest shopping center Iso Myy offers a wide range of food products, household goods, as well as clothes and accessories at very affordable prices (Iso Myy website).
- The largest shopping complex in the south-east of Finland is Veturi. Here you can enjoy shopping for quality goods from global and local brands, relax in a restaurant, go to the movies or visit the huge children's playground. Address: Tervasharjunkatu, 1, 45720, Kouvola. News, offers, shops and services - search on the Veturi website.
Parents who travel to Finland with children should not ignore the central city of Lapland - Rovaniemi. It is here that the village of Santa Claus (Joulupukki in Finnish) and Santa Park are located, as well as the northernmost zoo in the world, the forest museum, the Arktikum science center and the polar circle marker. In addition to attractions, all conditions for good shopping are created in Rovaniemi - the classic Sampokeskus and Revontuli shopping centers, many gourmet and souvenir shops: SusiVilla, Lauri, Your Piece of Finland, Aarnivalkea, Piesku Oy and others.
Popular flea markets in Finland
Flea markets (Kirppiss or kirputoria) in Finland are very interesting, there are about 500 of them in the country. Here you can buy original distinctive antiques, exquisite antique jewelry, coins, vintage shoes and clothes. Since all the action takes place in the open air, this is mainly a summer type of trade.
There are small markets in every city. Well-known to tourists include:
- Imatran City-kirppiss in Imatra;
- Euro-kirppis in Lappeenranta;
- several Kirppiss in Helsinki: Valteri (interior items, clothing, books, dishes), Hietalahdentori (antiques, jewelry, old coins, art objects), weekend markets at the Ice Stadium and in the Kallio area.
One of the most famous in Finland is the flea market in Kotka. Every first Thursday of the month, food products are sold in abundance in the city center: fish and seafood, sweets, pastries. A Christmas fair is also held here.
And every Saturday from 8:00 to 14:00 the market square of the city is a huge flea market. In other districts of Kotka you can find many smaller brickutorias - thematic, antique, charitable.
Famous Outlets
Experienced tourists are advised to pay attention to the following outlets in Finland:
- Megamyynti Areena in Orimatilla,
- Warehouse - 3rd floor of the Citycenter shopping center in Helsinki,
- Ruoholahti - mall in Helsinki,
- mono-brand outlet Stockmann,
- outlets of the Finnish brand Luhta - in Vantaa, Lahti, Lappeenranta.
Options for organizing a shopping tour to Finland
You can go on a shopping tour to Finland with a tour operator or on your own. Organized trips are convenient because the agency will take care of all the hassle. The cost of such shopping tours is from 750 rubles for 1 place.
Today, getting from Russia to Helsinki or other Finnish cities close to the Russian border is quick and inexpensive. Direct buses run from St. Petersburg, Vyborg, Petrozavodsk, Murmansk to Finland.
Other methods:
- by car,
- by train,
- by plane,
- on a ferryboat.
In any case, to visit Finland, citizens of the Russian Federation need to obtain a visa. Since Finland is a member of the Schengen Agreement, the obtained permit will also be valid on the territory of other European countries that are part of the Schengen area.
For a Schengen visa, you must fill out an online application form and collect a package of documents:
- Photo;
- a valid foreign passport (if you have an outdated / expired one, you must also provide it);
- a copy of the passport page with biometric data;
- passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- insurance policy;
- consent to the processing of personal data;
- visa revocation form.
Children under 18 years old will need additional documents. More details on the requirements can be found on the VFS.Global website.
Tax-free registration in shops in Finland
For those who go to Finland for shopping, it is important to know about the tax-free service, that is, the refund of value added tax when leaving the country.
From 10 to 18% of the cost is refunded if the total purchase amount exceeds 42 euros. It is important that not any product is subject to tax-free, but only purchased in a store with the inscription Tax free shopping at the checkout. It is recommended to immediately pay attention to this when visiting retail outlets.
Another important point is that you must save the receipt and packaging of the purchase before arriving at the tax-free refund point.
Outcome
The prospect of shopping in Finland for Russian citizens is due not only to the opportunity to profitably purchase high-quality clothing and other goods, but also to the territorial proximity of states. You can go shopping even for one day, subject to a Schengen visa.
For those who do not want to bother with paperwork and finding transport, travel agencies provide assistance. In any case, a trip to the homeland of Santa Claus is an unforgettable experience and good shopping.
