What Europeans (esp. Scandinavians) Want to Buy From the US
May 1st, 2008, 03:45 AM
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What Europeans (esp. Scandinavians) Want to Buy From the US
Just a few quick thoughts, based upon requests from various European colleagues for things they wanted us to bring back from our trip to the US:
- Laptops, esp Mac laptops. Amazingly, people like to save money. And large numbers of people don't like to spend 50% more for the same product.
- iPods. See above. I always feel a little guilty bringing these back, knowing that most of the buyers will fill them with lousy music.
- Baby Clothes. Why are baby clothes so darn expensive in Scandinavia?
- Abercrombie & Fitch. I don't pretend to understand it. The clothes are poor quality, overly branded, and come with the whiff of kiddie porn. I feel dirty just stepping into the store. On the bright side, it puts the lie to claims that Europeans dress better.
Feel free to add items as you see fit.
- Laptops, esp Mac laptops. Amazingly, people like to save money. And large numbers of people don't like to spend 50% more for the same product.
- iPods. See above. I always feel a little guilty bringing these back, knowing that most of the buyers will fill them with lousy music.
- Baby Clothes. Why are baby clothes so darn expensive in Scandinavia?
- Abercrombie & Fitch. I don't pretend to understand it. The clothes are poor quality, overly branded, and come with the whiff of kiddie porn. I feel dirty just stepping into the store. On the bright side, it puts the lie to claims that Europeans dress better.
Feel free to add items as you see fit.
May 1st, 2008, 04:46 AM
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Well this European, but not Scandanavian will be buying lenses on her trip, and her OH will be buying Levi's and other clothes no doubt as he usually does.
I shall legally import my lenses paying the duty on them when I get back, and still save a packet. The amount we are allowed to bring in without paying duties on them is a pitiful €175 pp. Of course most people don't pay attention to that and just bring stuff in anyway, but I would hate to lose my new lenses if I got caught.
I shall legally import my lenses paying the duty on them when I get back, and still save a packet. The amount we are allowed to bring in without paying duties on them is a pitiful €175 pp. Of course most people don't pay attention to that and just bring stuff in anyway, but I would hate to lose my new lenses if I got caught.
May 1st, 2008, 05:05 AM
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>>>>>
Abercrombie & Fitch. I don't pretend to understand it..
>>>>>
abercrombie & fitch is VERY hot in the uk right now. i can't believe how quickly it passed into the mainstream. it seems you see it everywhere...not just in london but even in less trendy suburbs. it's EVERYWHERE. we must totally love it to be paying DOUBLE the US prices. i'm not a fan and don't shoot the messenger.
Abercrombie & Fitch. I don't pretend to understand it..
>>>>>
abercrombie & fitch is VERY hot in the uk right now. i can't believe how quickly it passed into the mainstream. it seems you see it everywhere...not just in london but even in less trendy suburbs. it's EVERYWHERE. we must totally love it to be paying DOUBLE the US prices. i'm not a fan and don't shoot the messenger.
May 1st, 2008, 05:34 AM
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<i>abercrombie & fitch is VERY hot in the uk right now.</i>
And it remains quite popular in the US, as well. I just can't figure out why. Though I guess they may just be proof of the old adage that "sex sells", even if it is of a vaguely creepy adolescent kind.
My understanding is that they are planning to expand further into Europe in the near future. So, Europe, brace yourselves.
<i>I'm surprised they haven't mentioned booze and "real" cigarettes.</i>
Booze is actually not that expensive in Denmark, at least at the retail level. A bit more than the US, but not that much more. I do bring back my share of bourbon, but that is due to lack of selection in Europe, more than price.
And it remains quite popular in the US, as well. I just can't figure out why. Though I guess they may just be proof of the old adage that "sex sells", even if it is of a vaguely creepy adolescent kind.
My understanding is that they are planning to expand further into Europe in the near future. So, Europe, brace yourselves.
<i>I'm surprised they haven't mentioned booze and "real" cigarettes.</i>
Booze is actually not that expensive in Denmark, at least at the retail level. A bit more than the US, but not that much more. I do bring back my share of bourbon, but that is due to lack of selection in Europe, more than price.
May 1st, 2008, 06:03 AM
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Jack is not especially cheap, but I'm not sure it is overly popular, either.
Beer and wine, however are definitely reasonable, and beer, especially, seems to be more popular than spirits.
Here are some samplings from a current supermarket circular:
- 30-pack of Carlsberg = DKK 110
- Several brands of table wine (esp. Italian) = DKK 30 - 50 per bottle
- Montaudon Champagne = DKK 149
- Famous Grouse = DKK 110
- Amarula = DKK 90
- Gammel Dansk = DKK 90
- Renault Cognac = DKK 250
I would not categorize any of these as extraordinary bargains, and similar sales seem to be available every week at most of the major chains.
Again, better bargains (and greater selection) can certainly be found in the US, but when compared to the other ridiculously overpriced items in Denmark, I guess the prices just aren't high enough to send people looking too far for a bargain. And there is the issue of volume. The savings are real, but not huge, unless you bring in a lot of booze, and that just isn't overly practical.
Beer and wine, however are definitely reasonable, and beer, especially, seems to be more popular than spirits.
Here are some samplings from a current supermarket circular:
- 30-pack of Carlsberg = DKK 110
- Several brands of table wine (esp. Italian) = DKK 30 - 50 per bottle
- Montaudon Champagne = DKK 149
- Famous Grouse = DKK 110
- Amarula = DKK 90
- Gammel Dansk = DKK 90
- Renault Cognac = DKK 250
I would not categorize any of these as extraordinary bargains, and similar sales seem to be available every week at most of the major chains.
Again, better bargains (and greater selection) can certainly be found in the US, but when compared to the other ridiculously overpriced items in Denmark, I guess the prices just aren't high enough to send people looking too far for a bargain. And there is the issue of volume. The savings are real, but not huge, unless you bring in a lot of booze, and that just isn't overly practical.
May 1st, 2008, 06:09 AM
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I've got a Danish friend who bought pretty much the farm and everything on it a few months ago. He was coming to town for a meeting, and had quite a lot of stuff shipped to my home in the months preceding his visit in December. Basically all of his Christmas shopping.
He always visits Target to buy toys for his kids. Apparently his daughter really likes Bratz dolls.
He always visits Target to buy toys for his kids. Apparently his daughter really likes Bratz dolls.
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