Shopping and retail options in Finland: VAT-inclusive pricing. Popular hypermarkets: Prisma, Citymarket. Specialized local food shops. Extensive second-hand market. Eco-friendly products emphasis. Online shopping growth. Monday-to-Saturday store hours. Strong local design presence. Loyalty programs availability. Seasonal sales events.
VAT-inclusive pricing
In Finland, VAT-inclusive pricing is mandatory, with a standard VAT rate of 25.5% applied to most goods and services, while reduced rates of 10% and 14% apply to specific products such as food, pharmaceuticals, books, and passenger transport, among others. For more detailed information, you can explore the Finland VAT guidelines to better understand the specific applications and exemptions in place.
Popular hypermarkets: Prisma, Citymarket
Prisma is a Finnish hypermarket chain owned by S Group, boasting 74 stores across Finland and additional locations in Estonia. It offers a wide array of products including food, groceries, clothing, sporting goods, and home accessories. Another key player in the Finnish hypermarket scene is K-Citymarket, owned by Kesko, with about 80 stores. It similarly provides a diverse selection of products encompassing food, clothing, leisure, sports, and home products. For more details, you can visit the Wikipedia page dedicated to Prisma, which offers additional insights into its range and operations.
Specialized local food shops
In Finland, specialized local food shops are often found in market halls (kauppahallit), which offer a wide range of local produce including dairy, bread, Finnish pies, fish, meat (including moose and reindeer), and fresh vegetables and fruits. These market halls also feature local delicacies, cafes, and stalls for local arts and crafts, making them vibrant centers for both shopping and socializing. For more detailed information, please visit Expat Finland, which provides comprehensive insights into the grocery shopping experience in Finland.
Extensive second-hand market
Finland has embraced a strong culture of second-hand shopping, providing sustainable and eco-friendly options for consumers. The country boasts a variety of second-hand stores and markets, each offering something unique. At the heart of this vibrant community is Secondhandmarket.fi, which presents a comprehensive shopping experience with over 300 selling stalls, an online auction for collectibles and design items, and a diverse range of furniture, from antiques to retro pieces. Also notable are the non-profit reuse centres known as Kierratyskeskus, which operate large second-hand supermarkets around Helsinki, stocked with preloved furniture, clothes, and toys, and even provide environmental-education programs. The selection is further enriched by stores such as UFF, Relove, and online platforms like Mjuk and Franckly, making second-hand shopping in Finland both diverse and accessible. These efforts collectively promote sustainable consumption and environmental consciousness throughout the nation.
Eco-friendly products emphasis
Finland offers a range of eco-friendly shopping options, highlighted by brands like Pure Waste, which uses 100% recycled materials, Papu Design, which utilizes organic and recycled materials, and VAI-KO, which specializes in responsibly sourced outdoor clothing. These brands emphasize sustainability through efficient production, minimal waste, and the use of eco-friendly materials and practices.
Online shopping growth
The Finland E-commerce Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by high internet penetration, advanced infrastructure, and an increasing number of online shoppers. The market is projected to have a CAGR of 7.4% from 2022 to 2027, with expected revenues increasing by 51.55% between 2024 and 2029. This impressive expansion is set to reach 8.82 billion euros by 2029, showcasing the robust potential of online shopping in Finland as highlighted in the Mordor Intelligence Report.
Monday-to-Saturday store hours
In Finland, most shops operate from Monday to Friday, opening around 9:00 or 10:00 and closing between 16:00 and 18:00, with Saturday hours typically running until about 15:00 or 16:00. However, supermarkets and department stores often provide extended hours, with supermarkets opening as early as 7:00 and closing as late as 22:00. For more detailed information on such retail practices, you can visit the comprehensive list of Finnish retailers on Expat Finland.
Strong local design presence
Helsinki is renowned for its strong local design presence, with numerous boutique design stores and concept shops like Lokal Helsinki, Iittala, Aarikka, and COMPANY Design Studio, showcasing unique Finnish design that often incorporates elements of nature and vibrant colors. Many of these stores have online distribution channels for global shoppers. For a comprehensive guide to these design treasures, the Design Shopping Guide Helsinki provides invaluable insights for both locals and visitors eager to delve into the world of Finnish design.
Loyalty programs availability
In Finland, major loyalty programs include Kesko's K-Plussa and S-Group's S-Etukortti, which offer significant savings and benefits across a wide range of retail sectors, including supermarkets, department stores, and service stations. Additionally, Lidl offers the [Lidl Plus](https://www.expat-finland.com/shopping_in_finland/loyalty_cards.html) program, and St1 has its own customer loyalty program with various benefits and services.
Seasonal sales events
In Helsinki, Finland, seasonal sales spots are a popular choice for vendors looking to participate in various public holidays and urban events such as Valentine's Day, Easter, May Day, Helsinki Day, and the Christmas season. These spots offer vendors the opportunity to set up temporary booths with curated rules and designated locations tailored for selling goods and food, ensuring an organized and festive atmosphere. Each 10 square meter area comes with a leasing fee plus VAT, which supports the city's endeavors in maintaining and organizing these vibrant markets. For more detailed information on permits and facilities, you can visit the Helsinki City Business Portal, which guides entrepreneurs through the process efficiently.