Weekend shopping patterns in Russia show a clear tilt toward card payments, with a majority of transactions taking place on Saturdays and Sundays. A study cited by RIA Novosti, based on data from Russian Standard Bank, highlights that about 70% of weekend purchases are settled with debit or credit cards. This trend reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior where digital payments and easy access to services shape how people spend their time and money during leisure days.
During weekends, the typical shopping basket expands beyond basic groceries. Analysts noted that debit card usage on Saturdays and Sundays commonly encompasses supermarkets, cafes and fast food outlets, clothing and footwear stores, cosmetics shops, and beauty services such as hairdressers and salons. Supermarkets consistently emerge as the leaders in weekend spend, signaling a strong preference for one-stop shopping that combines groceries with everyday conveniences. This pattern aligns with a broader move toward integrated consumption habits that blend groceries with dining and personal care in a single outing.
Data from the same study show that the average card-based supermarket visit costs around 776 rubles. This marks a decline from the previous year, when the figure stood at about 832 rubles. The drop is interpreted as a consequence of the growing popularity of online grocery delivery and pickup services, which offer convenient alternatives to in-store shopping and can influence the average spend per trip on weekends.
In parallel, experts observed a notable rise in the average purchase value in the clothing and footwear category during weekend shopping. The first quarter saw the average check in this segment climb by roughly 42 percent, reaching 7,585 rubles. This uptick suggests that consumers are prioritizing apparel and related items as part of weekend outings, possibly driven by promotions, seasonal collections, or the desire to update wardrobes without weekday constraints.
Additional data points reveal a broader inflationary trend in everyday goods, including staples such as instant noodles. Between March 2022 and March 2023, prices in this segment increased by about 24 percent, reflecting pressures in supply chains and input costs that can shape weekend shopping behavior across categories. Such price movements influence how families plan their weekend meals, snacks, and quick-access groceries, reinforcing the importance of convenience and value during non-work days.
Across the retail landscape, the weekend shopping pattern underscores the role of card payments as a primary means of transaction, enabled by the accessibility of payment cards and the growing availability of contactless options. Retailers respond by aligning promotions with weekend crowds, offering bundled deals, loyalty discounts, and time-limited offers that attract shoppers seeking efficiency and value. For consumers, the weekend period becomes a focal point for balancing budget, variety, and speed, whether they are stocking up for the week ahead or taking advantage of impulse buys that fit into a busy schedule. Analysts emphasize that these dynamics are not merely about spending amounts but about how formats like supermarkets, fashion outlets, and service providers coordinate to meet weekend demand, shaping the overall consumer experience. (Evotor data, 2022–2023; market observations from the Russian Standard Bank study)