Expectation and reality: how the prices of things in Russia and the USA differ
'19.11.2018'
Source: SNC Media
There is an opinion that shopping in America is incredible in its range and economical in cost. There are no complaints about the assortment, but whether it’s economical, according to tradition, was checked for us by the financier Varya Tishchenko in Los Angeles, comparing the prices for randomly selected goods with Moscow ones. Why do Russians need to look into the stunning Ralph Lauren and get round the three-story Hermès?
Walking along the most beautiful Rodeo Drive among luxury brand stores, you do not even think about their origin - but in vain! After all, shopping in America has its own characteristics: first, European brands here are a priori more expensive, even more expensive than in Stoleshnikov Lane, writes SNC Media.
Apparently, the transatlantic flight is expensive not only for Aeroflot passengers. Secondly, forget about the tax free tax in European countries - in America it does not exist. Thirdly, you will have to add sales tax to the cost of the product indicated on the price tag, which on average in the state of California is about 9,5%.
And now let's go through specific things that have long been on our wish-list.
European brands
1. Hermès Leather Sandals with Rouge Blush
Los Angeles (California) - 745 $ * = 50500 rubles **
Boutique Hermès, GUM - 37300 rubles
* all prices are subject to sales tax
** at the average exchange rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation for the last 3 of the month
2. GUCCI dress
Los Angeles (California) - 2016 $ = 136640 rubles
Boutique GUCCI, GUM - 104000 rubles
3. Men's Cufflinks Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra in White Gold
Las Vegas (NV) - 5826 $ = 395000 rubles
Boutique Van Cleef and Arpels, GUM - 383000 rubles
4. Women's Cap Moncler
Las Vegas (NV) - 397 $ = 26913 rubles
TSUM - 10900 rubles
As can be seen from the comparison, there is no point in acquiring European brands in America. If we bought all the selected products in Moscow, then in total it would cost us 1000 $ cheaper. Yes, and it happens!
American brands
1. Michael Kors Whitney Medium Bag
Los Angeles (California) - 361 $ = 24472 rubles
TSUM - 28350 rubles
2. Men's shirt Tom Ford
Los Angeles (California) - 510 $ = 34573 rubles
TSUM - 35150 rubles
3. Tory Burch McGraw Tote Bag
Los Angeles (California) - 545 $ = 36946 rubles
TSUM - 37349 rubles
4. Michael Kors Sneakers
Los Angeles (California) - 175 $ = 11863 rubles
TSUM - 16900 rubles
So, if you intend to go shopping in America - give preference to American brands, such as:
Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, Elie Tahari, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Tiffany & Co, New Balance, Tory Burch, Converse, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Alice and Olivia, Carolina Herrera, Vince, Guess, Apple, Brooks Brothers, Levi's, Victoria's Secret, Marchesa, GAP, Theory, Nike, Banana Republic, etc.
And it makes sense to pay attention to American products that are not represented in Russia. For example, casual sportswear Abercrombie & Fitch, baby clothes J.Crewbeautiful clothes for yoga Alo yoga, cosmetics KKW (Kim Kardashian West), well, the best shopping awaits you, of course, in local pharmacies, where you will find a variety of supplements, trace elements, vitamins and medicines for such diseases, which you may not have! But suddenly come in handy.
