For many Israelis, Tuesday was a “two-for-one” day – elections and shopping. And
the retailers were ready for them.
At the Ramat Aviv Mall in north Tel
Aviv, shops displayed large signs informing customers of markdowns that ranged
between 30 and 70 percent.
“I didn’t come specifically because of the
sales,” Dana, who had just gotten out of a branch of the Spanish fashion chain
Zara, told
The Jerusalem Post. “I came now because I have time today, which I
usually don’t, so It’s good to have a day off.
“I went to a restaurant
for lunch with some friends and family, and came to the mall right after,” she
continued, “but most important, I went to vote first thing this
morning.”
As shoppers walked between the stores, others stood in line for
tables at the coffee shops of the two-floor shopping complex, while others were
still looking for parking spots outside.
“We actually wanted to go to
Dizengoff Center, but it was so crowded it was a nightmare to look for parking,
so we lost hope and decided to come here instead,” Revital Goldstein, who was
there with her daughter and a friend, told the Post. “It feels great to have a
day off where everything is open,” she added.
Many chain and boutique
stores had sent out text messages to clients throughout the day on Monday to let
them know about Tuesday’s discounts.
Orly Mozes, a resident of the area,
was especially pleased with her findings from the Israeli clothing store
Honigman: “They had 50 percent off!” she said, lifting up her paper shopping
bag.
“I’m really trying not to go into any more shops, it’s not good for
me,” she added with a smile.
“I think its great to have one day free in
the middle of the week like this,” said Ariel Raz, who had spent some two hours
shopping and was on his way out. “I took advantage of this day to come and buy
things I needed but also some things that I just saw now and decided to pick
up,” he said, “Now I’m off to lunch, to enjoy the sun and then I’ll go vote.”