Ranting About the Pricey Shampoo in "Mila" Store, Belarus
Foreigner from Poland, Aishish, was taken aback by the high costs in Mile, Belarus.
Feeling Shocked, Agnusha Shares Her Frustration
Agnusha, a user on TikTok, recently shared a video of her visit to the "Mila" store in Belarus after a three-year hiatus. She was taken aback by the steep prices of European shampoos, with a brand she usually buys in Poland for around 10-15 rubles costing 25-30 rubles in Belarus.
"What's up with the Euro shampoos' price hike in Belarus?" she questioned, bewildered. To her surprise, instead of the familiar Dove, she found "Dav" written in Russian letters. The selection of European shampoos was limited, with only 1-3 options left on the shelves.
Community Responses: Aggressive and Defensive
Agnusha's video quickly gathered over 57,000 views and nearly 900 comments within a day, many of which were critical and antagonistic. Some commented:
- "Is it so weird that you came back just to check the prices of shampoos?"
- "The quality in Poland? It's terrible, from food to chemicals, cosmetics, services, and medicine."
Upon further inquiry, Agnusha explained that she returned for a week-long visit and brought her own cosmetics but still needed to go to "Mila".
Defending Belarus: Local Products and Economy
Many commenters defended the Belarusian market. Some suggested switching to cheaper, locally produced Belarusian cosmetics, citing good quality and affordability. Others advised buying homemade soap as a cost-effective alternative.
Other comments highlighted the costs of services and utilities in Poland compared to Belarus, which were often more expensive in the former. Some even mentioned the affordability of healthcare in Belarus.
Agnusha's Clarification: Polish Healthcare Benefits
Agnusha later posted additional videos to clarify her thoughts, stating that in Poland, one can see a doctor for free if they regularly pay required fees and taxes. She also noted that while utilities in Poland might be more expensive, salaries tend to be higher as well.
Unexpected Backlash: "Decaying Europe"
Agnusha admitted she didn't anticipate such intense criticism, with numerous comments calling for her to return to her "decaying Europe". Despite the negativity, Agnusha's primary intention was to highlight the significant increase in prices for European products in Belarus compared to Poland over the years.
The Price Gap: Factors at Play
Several factors contribute to the higher cost of European cosmetics and household chemicals in Belarus compared to Poland. These include:
- Economic and trade policies
- Market dynamics
- Logistics and distribution
- Currency fluctuations
- Regulatory and legal factors
Overall, these factors lead to increased prices for European products in Belarus, making them less affordable for many consumers. Some turn to discounts at "Zolotoy Yablok" and Wildberries, while others embrace locally produced alternatives.
- Agnusha expressed her dismay at the increased prices of European fashion-and-beauty products, particularly shampoos, during her visit to the "Mila" store in Belarus, saying, "What's up with the Euro shampoos' price hike in Belarus?"
- In response to Agnusha's video, some TikTok users recommended switching to locally produced Belarusian fashion, travel accessories, or shopping for affordable alternatives, suggesting, "Consider trying Belarusian cosmetics or homemade soap instead."
