There are not even testers: Moscow perfume stores have run out of all imported stocks

Buying cosmetics and perfumes in Russia has long turned into a kind of quest: you either need to urgently retrain and get used to new companies, or “get” familiar products at exorbitant prices. A MK correspondent found out what the current situation is in stores that sell beauty.

Official supplies of goods from many brands to Russia stopped almost two years ago. For quite a long time we lived on old (warehouse) stocks, but they are not endless – in the fall of 2023, almost everything that was in stock ran out. Some things continue to be brought in thanks to parallel imports, but the scale is not comparable – and not all brands have followed this path.

Let’s take a look at one of the largest stores in the capital. In a corner selling Chanel, a question about the season’s new products makes the seller struggle to contain his laughter.

“Nothing at all,” the brand consultant shrugs. — There aren’t even testers. We cannot formally close as long as there is at least some goods, but in fact these are no longer goods, but scraps. Here, look: eye cream, just two shades of lipstick and perfumed body milk.

The neighboring counter, Dior’s, looks a little more lively.

“In this line, 40 ml bottles have always been in demand,” a salesperson named Yana readily says. — They are also expensive: in France it’s about 120 euros, but here they sold for 15 thousand rubles. But someone else can afford it. Now they have all been sold out, only large bottles of 125 or even 250 ml remain. For loyal fans of the brand, this is good and convenient, but there are only a few of them. The average buyer will not pay 30–45 thousand rubles. That’s why they are still in stock.

Of course, the old principle “if a problem can be solved for money, then it’s not a problem” can be extrapolated to the situation with the shortage of French perfumes, but here it’s all about the undertones – is this such a problem and is it worth spending that kind of money on it?

Somewhere, however, everything is quite sad. There were no bottles of perfume left at the counter of the famous British brand: only all sorts of small related products – scented candles for the home (who needs them today for 7,500?), branded soap and hand cream. On another counter, boxes lined up with bottles of the only—as the consultant admits, the most unpopular—perfume from a line that once included a dozen scents.

Those Muscovites who do not want to get used to something new actively use the “Bring it!” option. They make a corresponding request to friends who are going on vacation abroad (at least to Turkey!), providing them with money and instructions. Meanwhile, in large chain stores, a real redistribution of territory is taking place – entire shelves are occupied by new brands. A buyer who hasn’t gone perfume shopping for a year will find it difficult to find his way around today—perhaps he won’t see a single familiar name.

— Korea is on everyone’s lips, but, of course, it’s not just about it. This year, for example, we have two new Swedish companies. They also bring French ones – of course, not the first row, but those that were not sold in Russia before. But, by the way, the French ones remain the most familiar ones; they behave very loyally. There are very good Greek cosmetics,” the sales assistant of a huge store on Tsvetnoy Boulevard eagerly said. — Although I would still recommend paying attention to the new names. “Chanel” is “Chanel”, but very interesting and unusual scents appear.

In parallel with the change in assortment, prices have increased: now it is almost impossible to find a cleanser for less than 400-500 rubles, a basic moisturizer or a mask to improve complexion for less than a thousand – and we are talking about prices for new, unfamiliar products. There is no need to talk about proven French ones – there you need to be prepared to pay at least 3,000 rubles for a face cream. Body products from familiar brands will not be any cheaper.

— We’ve finally got a new product: a line with chestnut flavor, would you like to try it? – the seller entices. — A very unusual smell, it’s the scent of autumn in Paris: you know baked chestnuts? They are sold on the streets in November.

We know, of course… And the phrase “new product has arrived” already sounds intriguing: it’s a rarity these days! All that’s left to do is look at the prices. Shower gel – 2200 rubles, body cream included – 3100. Here it is, the scent of autumn in Paris…

However, all these are pleasant extravagances, not essential goods – and fewer and fewer people are ready to buy them today. In stores, not only are the shelves half empty, but the halls are too: people are rushing to quickly grab what they need (usually just shampoo) and quickly go to the checkout. Lazy walks around the sales floor testing a dozen new perfumes and lipsticks, as was the case before, are no longer observed. Maybe because there’s nothing special to test?

– I can help you? – Already at the exit I hear the seller addressing the customer, a pretty young woman.

“You can’t,” she shakes her head. — Unless, of course, you are able to lift the sanctions and return all normal goods to the shelves. And normal prices.

The woman turns, and it’s clear from her voice that she’s not mocking or even joking. There is not a drop of gloating or malice on his face, only fatigue and apathy.

Published in the newspaper “Moskovsky Komsomolets” No. 29138 dated October 18, 2023

Newspaper headline:
We all left Chanel