We recommend delivering orders to the Virolahti terminal before the 10th of December in 2021 to be sure the parcels arrive before 2022. Times of delivery are almost back to normal but can be different especially for goods which cost more than 200 euro or when extra custom procedures are needed.
Please note that the EMS type of parcel is the fastest delivery option. The price difference for small EMS and Priority parcels is small, which makes it a better choice for New Year’s gifts.
During New Year’s holidays, all the post offices proceed to work without days off, but there may be exceptions to opening hours the customers can check in the Russian Post mobile app. It also helps to track parcels and book an appointment or check bussy hours to avoid queues in post offices.
The most popular gift categories in Russian e-commerce are jewelry, hobby and sports equipment, children’s toys, cosmetics, and electronics
The average paycheck for domestic goods is significantly lower compared to goods ordered from abroad. E.g. in the category “gifts and flowers” Russian spend 47 euros on domestic vs 149 on cross-border goods.
According to Deloitte research, 85% of Russians consider for internet-shopping during New Year to save time. The most popular payment method is via credit card, the second one services as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
Pay attention, that 17% of the customers are interesting in special NY offers on social media and this number grows from year to year. Customers are also eager to find first recommendations for the goods in SoME and after that order.
Also, 43% of the New Year’s budget is relocated for New Year’s food. The NY eve’s table is usually laden with food and full of guests and relatives. Every 3rd customer uses the internet to buy food and beverages. And Finland has a reputation as the country with high-quality food for Russians. One of the most popular subcategories here is chocolate.
All in all New Year’s budget growth every year, the surplus in 2020 was 14%, which means more gifts and e-commerce orders in 2021.