Israeli Diamond Portal Reports: Russians Prefer Talking Toilet Paper Holders over Diamonds

Jan. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- According to the popular Russian daily Moskovsky Komsomolets, Muscovites were leery to part with their money for New Year gifts during the recent holiday season.

Last year people in Moscow crowded jewelry shops and home-electronics stores but the current financial crisis has forced consumers to count their rubles.  

Diamond rings worth around $1,000 sold like hot cakes in late 2007, but this holiday season jewelers were happy to sell anything.

Natalya Vitalyevna, director of a large jewelry store, said: ''Our total Christmas sales have dropped to one-fifth of last year's level. Consumer demand has slumped drastically and clearly.”
 
One unusual gift this year was a talking toilet paper holder going for about $72 dollars. It can record anything, from the owners' voices to their favorite tunes.

Widely advertised iPhones priced at $1,000 dollars had very few buyers this holiday season in Moscow.

 

By: Rachel Lieberman, Israel Diamond Industry Portal

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The Israeli Diamond Industry organizations
Behind the Israeli Diamond Industry are a group of vital and dynamic institutions. Each one is responsible for a different aspect of the industry’s activities.