Fake fashion now on sale at Apraksin Dvor in Saint Petersburg

A reporter for Fontanka, the St. Petersburg edition, visited Apraksin Dvor to examine how counterfeit goods have filled the void left by Western fashion brands in Russia. The findings shed light on how street-level markets adapt to shifting trade landscapes, offering a look at the prices, variety, and authenticity of items available to shoppers in the city. At Apraksin Dvor, the market presented a surprising spectrum of products that mimic well-known labels. Among the most visible replicas were sneakers branded Adidas and New Balance, priced around 4.5 thousand rubles. The impostors were crafted to resemble the real articles closely, making visual identification challenging for an untrained eye and underscoring how convincing some counterfeit goods can be in crowded markets. The report suggests that these goods appeal to buyers who value aesthetics and brand recognition while seeking budget-friendly options. Beyond sneakers, the correspondent noted the presence of fake Balenciaga footwear offered at approximately 5.5 thousand rubles. Accessories and apparel also appeared in counterfeit form, including sunglasses resembling familiar models from Ray Ban, Polaroid, and Carrera, which were marketed primarily on appearance rather than actual brand lineage. A Burberry jacket, designed to resemble a caged silhouette, was another item listed for around seven thousand rubles, illustrating the breadth of counterfeit fashion items accessible at the market. The market scene was not limited to copied luxury items. A wider assortment of clothing, footwear, underwear, and accessories was available from producers in countries such as Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and China. Some items in this broader group were not direct copies of famous brands but were still presented as fashion-forward alternatives, reflecting a broader strategy to cater to cost-conscious buyers seeking style at a lower price point. The report from Fontanka highlights a broader context for shoppers considering these products. While counterfeit goods can offer immediate savings, their quality, durability, and reliability often lag behind authentic items. The presence of such products at a prominent market like Apraksin Dvor illustrates the economics of demand and supply in a market where global brands have faced disruption and sanctions pressures, reshaping consumer choices and expectations in Saint Petersburg. Observers note that the market’s vitality and diversity can be appealing to locals exploring weekend shopping or casual fashion refreshes. At the same time, the coverage raises questions about consumer awareness, long-term value, and the potential risks of counterfeit imports in terms of safety standards and warranty guarantees. The report reflects on the tension between affordability and authenticity that characterizes modern urban shopping experiences in major Russian cities, especially in areas known for flea-market style trading and budget-oriented retail. This overview, drawn from on-the-ground observations in Saint Petersburg, points to the ongoing adaptability of retailers and buyers alike. It also underscores the importance of informed decision-making when selecting apparel and accessories, recognizing that lower prices may come with trade-offs in quality and legitimacy. A nuanced understanding of what buyers gain and lose with counterfeit goods can help shoppers navigate a marketplace where style and price compete with authenticity and endurance. The evaluation remains a snapshot of a dynamic market environment and invites further scrutiny of how such trends evolve in the broader Russian retail landscape. Fontanka’s report offers a lens into a city grappling with shifting brand ecosystems and consumer preferences, captured through a careful, street-level survey of Apraksin Dvor and its offerings.