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American Morning

Russian Holiday Shopping Begins

Aired January 01, 2002 - 07:55   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: Well the holiday season is winding down here in the U.S., but the shopping season is just heating up in Russia.

CNN's Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty has her list ready.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over):

DOUGHERTY: This year the average salary for Russians grew 12 percent and although it still ranges from just the equivalent to about $50 to $100 a month, there is no lack of demand at Children's World. Kids like six-year old Bonia are ready to buy out the whole store.

But their parents usually hone in on one major purchase they've been saving for. A hot-seller this year, imported stuffed animals like the Red Bear, averaging $40 a piece.

"We just got them in stock and we sold out almost immediately. There are just two left," she says.

But Russian manufacturers are catching up. The price of domestically made stuffed animals is only a little more than $10. Marsha and Era came here to see Father Frost and to check out the dolls. This year they had their pick, including Barbie dolls at 560 rubles, the equivalent of about $19. There's even a Ken doll to go with it.

So while their parents are figuring out how to pay for their New Year's gifts, the kids are having fun.

Jill Dougherty, CNN, Moscow.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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