Representatives of the Association of Retail Trade Companies, known by the acronym AKORT, indicated that the Russian business community is wary of shelves that prioritise domestic goods in stores. This stance was reported on the newspaper’s website under the section News. The association expressed reservations about a parliamentary initiative that would require a visible emphasis on Russian products in retail spaces, suggesting it could introduce new risks for business operations.
The concerns centre on the possibility that the prices of items displayed on shelves under the new invoice requirements might be higher than those of comparable goods. AKORT warned that this price discrepancy could push overall food costs upward, affecting both retailers and consumers. The argument presented is that price stability could be undermined if stores are mandated to prioritise domestic products, potentially limiting competitive pricing and choice for shoppers.
Industry experts echoed these concerns, noting that goods produced by Russian manufacturers might experience weaker demand if prices rise or if quality concerns persist. In such a scenario, entire product categories could see reduced profitability, which in turn could lead to lower turnover for retailers and possible consolidation within certain market segments. The broader consequence would be a slower pace of trade activity across the sector, especially in periods of inflationary pressure or market volatility.
Earlier, it was reported that the State Duma had prepared a new version of the so-called Russian shelf bill. The proposal recommends that stores display predominantly Russian-made goods to stimulate domestic sales and support local producers. This regulation would apply to physical retail locations, online shops, and aggregators that compile and present product ranges to customers.
There had been public discussion that retailers might be permitted to distribute foodstuffs more widely, while still adhering to the overarching objective of supporting home-grown goods. This dynamic reflects a broader debate about how to balance consumer choice with national manufacturing goals, and how such policies would interact with international trade norms and consumer expectations in Russia’s evolving retail landscape. Attribution: coverage of these developments is drawn from industry reporting and official summaries provided by market observers and analysts.