Prices of imported toys have increased since companies withdrew from the Russian market due to the war in Ukraine.
Russian parents are struggling to find affordable gifts to give their children for the New Yearbecause the price of imported toys continue to increase.
At Moscow’s large children’s store, customers can choose between paying full price for Western-branded items or opting for more affordable but lesser-known Russian toys.
The prices of Lego and Barbie have more than doubled since businesses withdrawn from the Russian market due to the war in Ukraine.
Lego no longer ships products to Russia, but the famous bricks can still be found on the shelves of Russian toy stores. They are now going through so-called unofficial import channels.
“Of course, my son chooses Lego. And we are trying in every way to find an acceptable option with probably not very fast delivery, but at least at an affordable price, because the price of Lego has increased four times,” says Yelena Rykun, a customer.
Previously, Lego and Mattel occupied 43% of the toy market in Russia.
In the meantime, Russian producers have produces replicas as well as original creations such as the Soviet cartoon character Cheburashka or miniature Russian traffic police cars.
“It’s great that our manufacturers have started making toys, but for tanks, for example, there are Abrams, Leopards, and unfortunately there are no T-34 tanks, in which my big “father fought,” laments Boris Kurtsev, a customer.
Among adults, the most anticipated gifts are gadgets and household appliances.
On average, Russians plan to spend almost 22,000 rubles in giftsor around 220 euros.
