After a slow season for fashion stores and shopping centers in Israel, retail chains reported a rise of hundreds of percents in revenues on Tuesday, as Israelis taking advantage of the Election Day holiday flooded shops throughout the country.
Some overcrowded malls were forced to close their gates as early as 11 am and bar any additional shoppers from entering.
The stormy weather did not deter Israelis from visiting open malls as well. Big Shopping Centers reported proceeds in coffee shops and restaurants 200%-400% higher than on weekdays. Do It Yourself stores and pharmacies said sales increased by a twofold and revenues in fashion chains were two to three times higher.
Restaurants, cafes and movie theaters were very busy as well. The Cinemall shopping center, which includes 23 movie theaters, saw an 80% increase in the number of visitors compared to ordinary days and a 60% increase compared to Fridays. The Café Café chain enjoyed a 70% rise in sales.
As usual, the shopping frenzy was especially felt in Israel's only IKEA branch, which hosted some 20,000 shoppers by the afternoon hours. Some 65,000 items worth NIS 2.8 million (roughly $700,000) were sold in IKEA on Election Day.
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