A recent survey reveals that a large portion of Russians prepared for New Year by stocking up in advance, with 69 percent reporting they bought food ahead of time. Around five thousand people participated in the survey.
Among the respondents, 36 percent said this kind of early shopping felt more economical, which led them to make grocery purchases during December. An additional 33 percent noted that they had already secured canned goods, alcohol, or other essentials and planned to complete their shopping by the end of the month.
Conversely, 23 percent of participants believed there was little benefit in buying ahead because shortages were not anticipated. They argued that prices were unlikely to shift significantly over the month.
One shopper commented, I don’t see the point in pre-purchasing. Stores are well stocked no matter how much people fill their carts.
Another 8 percent explained they could not stock up in advance because household consumption was high. In these cases, replenishment had to happen multiple times as needs dictated.
A study conducted by YuMoney and Chek Index, which Socialbites.ca reviewed previously, showed that a majority of Russians surveyed—77 percent—decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year. Thirteen percent do not put up a tree, nine percent decorate occasionally, and one percent opt to plant branches instead.
Earlier findings indicated some Russians chose to forego certain traditions, like car repairs, in favor of celebrating the New Year with family and food.