Reports circulating on the Baza Telegram channel indicate that luxury fragrances have become scarce in Russian retail spaces. The channel claims that several widely sought-after brands no longer have consistent shelf availability in major outlets.
The Chanel line, for example, is described as nearly erased from shelves at Rive Gauche, Letual, and Golden Apple stores. Ile de Beaute is said to still stock Chanel but may be carrying imported variants, while Yves Saint Laurent, Lacoste, Maison Margiela, and Calvin Klein fragrances are reported to have dwindled to a minimum presence. Buyers also note an absence of these luxury perfumes in Duty Free, GUM, and TSUM stores.
Baza explains that retailers are engaging in a form of internal transfer, moving product remaining in regional warehouses toward Moscow where demand is higher and margins appear more favorable. This shift suggests that sellers are evaluating several pathways to maintain supply, including parallel imports, the introduction of domestically produced brands, or items sourced from allied countries.
The broader backdrop involves Russia’s ongoing special operations in Ukraine, during which a number of international brands paused or halted their activities in the Russian market. As a result, various companies across sectors such as fashion, electronics, and household goods suspended operations or withdrew from the market, affecting product availability and consumer access to luxury items.
[citation: Baza Telegram channel]