Sunday
By mid-August, conversations about the new school year begin to heat up. Classroom teachers share checklists with parents that emphasize clothing, and each city often has its own uniform requirements. The local social publication received its list on August 12.
Market exploration
The team started at the Sadovod market, where several rows cater to children’s clothing. In August, shoppers from across the country come here to prepare for school. The selection is broad, yet most vendors offer similar ranges. It is possible to put together an entire student look in one stop: casual wear, physical education outfits, and ceremonial options. In reality, many items look attractive in windows, but closer inspection reveals issues common to many low-cost garments— loose threads, uneven seams, and questionable fabrics. Reviews led to a scan of places with the brand label “Factory Turkey.” The markings appear frequently, but the assortment there mirrors other stalls, with no notable variety.
Prices for basics were posted: shirts and blouses from 800 rubles, trousers from 1,300 rubles, dresses from 1,500 rubles, cardigans from 1,500 rubles, and three-piece suits from around 3,000 rubles.
Shoes, however, caused concern. Many options looked unsightly, were uncomfortable, or carried high costs. Sturdy, leather-pressed boots ran about 2,500 rubles. Finding an unnamed physical education tracksuit proved near impossible: shoppers could choose between counterfeit Adidas or Nike starting at 2,000 rubles, or higher-end labels like Gucci or Off-White from about 5,000 rubles. The same story applied to sneakers—counterfeit Nikes could be found for around 2,000 rubles, and with bargaining, some customers walked away paying roughly 1,800 rubles. Backpacks, often featuring cartoon characters, typically cost around 1,500 rubles.
Vendors reported slower sales this year, but expectations were that the withdrawal of foreign brands would shift demand. The mood among sellers varied, and bargaining for 200–300 rubles often met stubborn resistance. One marketer summed up the sense of urgency: the time to shop for school clothes had passed for many families.
“If you arrived late, you should have started in May. By August, most sizes are gone and the choices are limited,” explained a seller.
Mass market
The scene shifts to an air-conditioned mall after the bustle of Gardener Market. A visit to H&M showed limited new school lines; the selection was sparse and sizes scarce, leaving little to buy. The team departed without purchases.
Next, a mid-range Russian children’s brand offered a more promising lineup. The school collection was sizeable, with pieces that could be mixed to form outfits for the entire academic year. Quality stood out—fewer loose threads and fabrics that felt more comfortable. Price ranges reflected the mix: shirts and blouses from 600 to 1,500 rubles, trousers from 1,500 to 1,700 rubles, cardigans and jackets from 1,700 to 2,500 rubles, dresses and sundresses from 1,600 to 2,500 rubles. T-shirts and shorts for gym wear were also available, with T-shirts around 249 rubles and shorts 599 rubles.
A sporting goods store followed, offering warm gym sets in abundance. Sizes were plentiful, but prices exceeded those found in the market. A tracksuit averaged about 4,000 rubles, while lightweight indoor sneakers hovered near 999 rubles.
Prize
The final stop was a multi-brand children’s store carrying European lines, notably from Italy. Prices were higher here, but the selection allowed parents to shop a full school wardrobe in one place. Knowledgeable consultants helped assemble outfits that could suit both slim and fuller builds. The store also carried shoes, with leather options around 8,000 rubles per pair.
Families should be prepared for higher totals overall. A complete set for a boy started around 10,000 rubles, and for a girl the price tended to be higher, around 13,000 rubles, not including footwear. In total, the cost could rise quickly as multiple sets were often needed.
Overall, the departure of several foreign brands from the market did not leave shoppers without options. Local stores and mid-range chains offered viable choices that balanced price and quality. While market stalls can be tempting for perceived bargains, many lacked consistency in quality. European chains continued to provide fashionable options, showing that well-priced, stylish school attire remains accessible to families with adequate budgets.