In Irkutsk Region, buyers are increasingly refusing expensive branded products for cheaper ones, and supermarkets have seen lower demand for imported goods, alcohol, dry cured sausages and confectionery. Retail chains are already changing their assortment, focusing on domestic and inexpensive products, and in Bratsk they are preparing an agreement to lower the cost of essential goods. At the same time, experts warn that despite the measures, retail food prices may rise by 20 to 45 percent.
At present, buyers’ strategy is to save money. Today, in many retail outlets in the Irkutsk Region, demand for expensive food products has fallen, and the flow of customers has decreased. Consumers are increasingly preferring cheaper goods over branded ones.In Irkutsk supermarkets today, even in the evening it is not crowded. Not long ago, shoppers chose products without looking at price tags. Now family budgets have to be reconsidered.
Representatives of retail chains confirm that residents of the region have already switched to inexpensive, lower-quality products. Consumers are forced to give up branded products in favor of lesser-known and cheaper ones.
Imported products are the undisputed outsiders on store shelves. Among them are alcohol and dry-cured sausages. Shoppers have turned to domestic producers and forced them to change their assortment. Expensive pastries and cream cakes are no longer in demand. Bread is now more sought after.
A can of sprats, a kilo of potatoes, and loose pasta — perhaps this will be the grocery basket of a modern Russian family. Recipes from mom’s 90s era are relevant again.
Supermarkets are shortening the path from producer to buyer by eliminating intermediaries. Thus, in Bratsk, a draft tripartite agreement has been prepared between the city administration, wholesale suppliers, and retailers. Under it, wholesalers will supply essential goods to stores at lower prices. Nevertheless, experts’ forecasts are disappointing — food prices in retail will rise by 20 to 45%.