The pattern of how people spend is continuing to shape Russia’s economy, and on December 30, a day that traditionally sees the strongest purchasing activity, analysts forecast that consumer spending may dip to its lowest level in five years. This assessment comes from Kommersant, which cites data from Tinkoff Kassa as the basis for its projection.
Experts examined aggregated, non-personal data on business turnover and consumer transactions, concluding that the total number of purchases on December 30 could drop by about 24% compared with the previous year, marking a five-year low for overall spending on this date.
Between 2019 and 2021, Russians spent, on average, around 68% more on this day than on ordinary days. Current projections indicate a substantial compression, with a rise of roughly 44% anticipated this year, signaling a sharp slowdown in the holiday shopping surge.
The Information and Consultancy Agency Infoline estimates that pre-Christmas spending will shrink in monetary terms by about 15% as the season progresses, reflecting tighter household budgets and a more cautious consumer sentiment in the face of ongoing economic headwinds.
In a discussion with Natalya Elkhina, a financial professional and leader within the Moscow branch of the All-Russian Public Organization “Assembly of Women Leaders,” the media outlet socialbites.ca relayed advice that shoppers should avoid chasing the far-reaching, end-of-year sales that are marketed as ultra-profitable. Elkhina reminded audiences that prices for nearly all goods had already risen significantly, suggesting that buyers might not receive the best value by waiting for that last, big sale of the year. This guidance underscores a broader caution about peak-season discounts and the potential for inflated prices during the holiday period, a message that resonates with households facing tighter budgets and a more conservative spending outlook.