Moscow has an incredibly wide selection of shopping opportunities, from open-air markets where immigrants sell cheap goods imported directly from China or Turkey to the Tretyakovksy Passazh, where Bentley showrooms live side-by-side with Armani and Tiffany’s.
Because of the high concentration of residents living in high-rise apartment buildings, hundreds of malls are spread all across Moscow, with no particular area of dominance. You may easily find two or three within walking distance of your apartment, even if you live outside the third ring. There are now also numerous hypermarkets and mega-shopping centers on the periphery of Moscow, just beyond the MKAD.
Major European and international brands predominate in Moscow; although you will typically find that there are significant mark-ups compared to what you would pay for the same item in your hometown. For clothes, shoes, and accessories, even cheaper imports from China or Russian-made goods are typically quite costly. Jewelry and electronics are also comparatively expensive on an international scale.
Most of the main fashion streets, where top luxury brands such as Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior, and Ungaro can be found, are in the city centre. There is no shortage of high-end, top-luxury brands available in Moscow, but these items can also be had for far less in London, Paris, New York, or Milan – most foreigners and even most Muscovites save the majority of high-end fashion shopping for trips abroad.
Most markets and shops are easily accessible by public transportation, including mega-centers located outside of the MKAD which typically have special shuttle bus service. Stores are generally open 7 days a week with long working hours. The most standard hours are 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or later. 24/7 service is common, especially for supermarkets and convenience stores. Except for the New Year’s, when you can accomplish little in the city, most stores also operate on holidays.
