As International Women’s Day approached, observable shifts in consumer spending emerged across Russia in several everyday gift and personal care categories. Market observers noted a downturn in purchases of sweets and cosmetics during the holiday period, with sweets purchases down by roughly one third and cosmetics by a little over one third compared with the previous year. Insights originated from Kontur data, which were compiled and summarized by news agencies to highlight a broader mood among shoppers and the level of discretionary spending during that time.
Analysts tracked activity from the days leading up to the holiday through the days after, observing that the drop in nonessential goods paralleled a decrease in the sale of alcoholic beverages. The reduction in alcohol purchases was about one sixth lower than in the same window of the prior year, suggesting a widespread tightening of spending on leisure and celebration items during the commemorative week.
The observed declines were attributed, in part, to some companies choosing not to run promotions or to celebrate what some firms described as a gender-focused holiday. This approach by certain retailers and brands appeared to influence consumer behavior, reinforcing a cautious stance toward discretionary buys during the commemorative week.
Even as demand softened for sweets, cosmetics, and alcohol, price levels for several everyday items rose during the same timeframe. Sugar and confectionery posted the steepest increases, with cosmetics and alcoholic beverages showing more modest upticks. These price dynamics contributed to a fuller consumer experience during the holiday week, with shoppers facing higher costs for items typically bought for celebrations or as gifts.
During the period around International Women’s Day, another major retail category, bouquet purchases and related flower products, also declined compared with the prior year. This trend reflected a cautious approach to holiday gifting in the floral segment, aligning with the broader pattern of restrained discretionary spending across multiple product categories during that week.
In the cinema sector, the box office picture presented a mixed view. Industry statistics indicated that theaters generated substantial revenue and attracted a large volume of admissions, signaling sustained demand for entertainment despite the broader retail slowdown. The data highlight how different market channels responded to the holiday period, with entertainment venues remaining a popular option for consumers seeking experiences over tangible gifts. The overall picture shows a balance between restraint in some retail areas and continued interest in experiences in a time of holiday observance. Attributions: industry market data and service statistics provide a corroborating view of consumer behavior around the holiday period.