Advertisement

With ruble on roller coaster, Apple stops online sales in Russia

Apple said it is reviewing prices, presumably with a view to raising them, as the ruble heads down and up and down.

By Frances Burns
Russian tourist Vasily Danilenko was one of the first to buy a new iPad mini at the Apple Store at the Carrousel du Louvre when the device was released in Paris on Nov. 2, 2012. Apple just announced it is suspending online sales in Russia because of the ruble's troubles. UPI/David Silpa
Russian tourist Vasily Danilenko was one of the first to buy a new iPad mini at the Apple Store at the Carrousel du Louvre when the device was released in Paris on Nov. 2, 2012. Apple just announced it is suspending online sales in Russia because of the ruble's troubles. UPI/David Silpa | License Photo

MOSCOW, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Apple Inc. closed down its online store in Russia as the ruble fell to 80 to a dollar.

The website promised "We'll be back" with a note that the company is "updating" the online store. That presumably means that when it reopens for business prices will be higher.

Advertisement

"Due to extreme fluctuations in the value of the ruble, our online store in Russia is currently unavailable while we review pricing. We apologize to customers for any inconvenience," the company said in a statement.

Apple has no stores of its own in Russia, although iPads and other Apple products can be purchased through dealers as well as on line.

The ruble fell to about 80 to a dollar Tuesday, its lowest point, and closed at 67.5. The currency rose Wednesday as the Russian Finance Ministry announced plans to support it by selling as much as $7 billion in foreign reserves.

Car dealers, especially those dealing in luxury models, also halted sales, the New York Times said. Russians looking to buy BMWs, Jaguars, Land Rovers, Toyotas and Volvos were told they were sold out.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines

Advertisement

Trending Stories

Advertisement

Follow Us

Advertisement