Greeks go on shopping sprees while they can

Athens

AS the going gets tough in Greece, the Greeks are going shopping.

The government was forced to extend capital controls and keep banks closed until at least Thursday as money runs out with no new bailout imminent. While some people are using their remaining available euros to buy staples to cover daily needs, others are hitting electronics and appliance stores for Apple Inc computers and Sony PlayStations to max out their credit and debit cards where vendors still accept them.

"People are spending the money they have in the bank because otherwise they're afraid they won't get it out," said Natasa, 33, a shop assistant at electronics retailer Plaisio Computer SA in central Athens. She asked not to be identified by her full name. "A Mac is something that keeps its value," she added, pointing to a gleaming …