During the New Year period, Russian consumer spending rose in several categories, although some areas cooled. The trends came from an analysis by the OFD Platform’s Check Index, which tracks transactions across major service and retail channels. Overall, entertainment and home electronics saw notable shifts as shopping habits shifted with the season.
Cinema tickets led the gains, climbing by 16 percent to an average of 745 rubles per ticket. Grocery and market purchases also moved higher, with an 11 percent increase. Food service venues followed with rises ranging from 6 to 12 percent, and fast-food purchases grew by about 7 percent as people sought convenient meals during the holidays.
In contrast, spending on household appliances and consumer electronics declined, dipping 13 percent to an average of 9,893 rubles. This dip suggests a pullback in big-ticket purchases after the holiday rush. Likewise, demand for building materials, clothing, and footwear softened, reflecting a more cautious approach to discretionary spending as the new year began.
These patterns mirror a broader shift in consumer expectations. Many shoppers prioritized experiences and dining out while tightening budgets on large home purchases. The data also shed light on how households calibrated their plans for the year ahead, balancing the desire for enjoyment with prudent spending habits.
Survey responses indicate that 43 percent of respondents view demand as an important criterion when evaluating opportunities during the year ahead, while 41 percent emphasize stability. Some respondents highlight the value of learning new skills, yet a majority—68 percent—believe that it is feasible to master up to two core specialties, suggesting a strategic approach to career development rather than rapid, wide-ranging diversification.