In 2009, Vitebsk region's trade turnover was additionally increased by Br13 billion due to promotional campaigns.

January 12, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Trade enterprises of the Vitebsk region, by conducting advertising campaigns in 2009, additionally involved almost Br13 billion in turnover, the trade department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee informed a BELTA correspondent. Throughout the year, expanded fairs and sales of goods at reduced prices were held weekly in the region, and about 1.5 thousand exhibitions and sales of culinary and confectionery products were organized, selling goods worth almost Br2 billion. The change in the operating hours of retail outlets also contributed to the increase in turnover. Over 60 shops operate around the clock in the cities and district centers of the region. Every fourth trade and public catering enterprise extended its operating hours or switched to operating without days off. The trade department noted the effective work of recently established discount stores, which sell goods at lower prices by reducing trade markups. For example, the turnover of the "Nika" OJSC discount store in Vitebsk increased fivefold, and in a similar store of the Polotsk Universal Base, it increased more than threefold. Over fifty more stores in the region are implementing a discount policy, offering discounts depending on the purchase volume. According to the results of 2009, the volume of retail trade turnover at comparable prices was 102.9%. In the current year, the trade sector has been tasked with increasing retail trade turnover by at least 14% compared to the 2009 level. -0-