Other events in Baltic States

In 2008, contrary to tendencies in previous years, residents of Latvia show an increased interest for practical Christmas gifts, as LETA learned from Ilona Buksa-Bieza, the marketing manager of Tapro chain of shops.

"In the previous years, families had a much larger "gifts budget" and they could afford to buy a flat-screen TV, large number of smaller gifts, but now people prefer practical household goods that can last for a long time," Buksa-Bieza told.

According to her, usually the Christmas period is the "silent season" for dealers of construction supplies, however, this year consumers are rather actively purchasing them.

Head of Tapro customer service center, Mareks Madlans, pointed out that some of the most popular gifts that people buy at Tamro this year, are tool boxes, which costs starting from five lats, also electric drills and screwdrivers. Also demand for fishing tackle and work clothes is on the rise.