Friday, August 15, 2014

The Moscow Markup

Everything in Moscow costs more, but this is especially true for childrens things.  But with only children, having two parents and four grandparents doting on one child, maybe the cost of gifts isnt so bad.  Maybe 900 rubles (not quite $30) for a brand name stuffed animal doesnt seem a lot. Maybe 2000 rubles for sneakers doesnt seem like much if you dont have three kids to buy for.

But then, maybe we have been out of touch.  S (the mom for these thre kids) is currently in the US for a conference, and prices arent as cheap as we remember.

The difference is that $30 buys a brand name toy of high quality, or $60 buys a good pair of shoes, in the US.  In Moscow, that equivalent in rubles buys a cheap pair of shoes which fall apart.

In the US, you can shop in fancy stores and get good quality, or Walmart and pay less for junk.  In Moscow, the junk is junkier, but if you know where to go, you could pay walmart prices, but thats shopping on the street or open air market.  Anything in a store is more.  But going to a store doesnt guarantee great quality.

For example, cheap dollar store stuff costs 100 rubles, or $3.  Thats the Moscow Markup.


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