Rouble Downturn Triggers Shopping Spree
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Kamis, 18 Desember 2014 15:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The all-time low Rouble exchange rate has triggered a shopping spree, causing Russians to rampantly buy electronic goods, furniture and cars before prices soar.
Rouble had suffered a 'mini crisis' when its exchange rate drops 10 percent against the US Dollar. The current exchange rate is considered to be an all-time low since 1998.
The decreasing exchange rate had caused supermarkets and shopping centers to be packed with customers. Ikea, a Swedish-based store chain, was also packed with customers as it plans to increase the prices for kitchenware and other goods this week.
Ikea had previously promised to maintain its prices until the end of 2014. However, the company then explained that it could not evade the effects of external factors, such as the Russian crisis.
Similarly, Apple had also raised its prices in late November 20 per cent without giving prior notice.
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