Wildberries pauses offsetting and halts some product substitutions amid labor and policy concerns
The company Wildberries has announced a temporary pause on offsetting from owners of joint ordering points for the replacement of goods. The news was reported by TASS and raised questions about how the platform manages substitute products and the role of its partner network during this period of regulatory and operational scrutiny.
Substitution of goods is a topic that touches many levels of the retail ecosystem. For entrepreneurs and merchandisers who collaborate with Wildberries, the development is a reminder of the need for vigilance and clear processes. On one hand, the company has increased its monitoring in recent days to deter potential fraudulent activity. On the other hand, the pause in substitutions signals a broader recalibration of how substitutes are approved, tracked, and compensated within the marketplace framework.
Statements from public officials add another layer to the unfolding situation. Former Labor Minister Anton Kotyakov noted that the Ministry of Labor and Rostrud are monitoring the matter and are engaging with submitted documents and citizens’ statements. Kotyakov indicated that any further steps would be coordinated with the Prosecutor General’s Office. He stressed that market participants should operate in line with traditional labor law standards and customary business practices, underscoring the expectation that modern platforms maintain compliance with well-established rules in hiring and employment relations.
On March 15, dozens of Wildberries pickup points reportedly halted posting content related to placing orders as part of a broader strike against a new penal system. In response, Wildberries decided to close several outlets for security reasons and indicated that it would suspend cooperation with partners who engaged in what the company described as uncivil dialogue. Media coverage suggested that some striking employees of the pickup network faced dismissals, amplifying concerns about labor actions within the gig and retail workforce. The situation drew the attention of policymakers, with the State Duma signaling a potential legislative review and inviting Wildberries representatives to participate in a forthcoming meeting to discuss the issues at hand.
Industry observers note that the incident highlights how marketplace platforms balance customer protection, partner relationships, and compliance with evolving labor and trade regulations. For Wildberries, the pause on substitutions and the temporary shutdown of certain pickup points may reflect a strategic pause aimed at reinforcing controls, ensuring product authenticity, and maintaining a stable relationship with suppliers and couriers during a period of increased oversight. Stakeholders—ranging from sellers to logistics partners and regulators—will be watching how the company navigates policy changes, contract obligations, and the expectations of a workforce that increasingly relies on flexible work arrangements. In the broader context, the case underscores the ongoing tension between rapid e-commerce growth and the need for transparent governance, fair labor practices, and robust risk management within large online marketplaces.
Experts emphasize that clear communication, verifiable processes for substitutions, and collaborative engagement with regulatory bodies are essential for restoring confidence in the platform. By aligning operational practices with labor standards and consumer protection norms, Wildberries can position itself to resume normal activity while addressing the concerns of both employees and partner networks. As discussions continue, observers expect further updates on how substitutions will be managed, what safeguards will be introduced, and how the company plans to support its sellers and fulfillment partners during this transition. The ultimate outcome will likely influence not only Wildberries’ internal policies but also the approach of other marketplaces facing similar pressures to standardize substitution procedures, enhance oversight, and maintain trust across a dynamic retail landscape.