Moscow, Russia — Shopping
Shopping in Moscow, Russia
Since the demise of communism, well-heeled Muscovites have relished the opportunity to shop and, for those with enough roubles, conspicuous consumption has been the order of the day. As a result, Moscow is now one of the most brand-obsessed cities in the world.
Markets
Cheremushinsky Rynok, on Lomonovksy prospect, has fresh produce from all corners of the former Soviet Union. The market is open Monday to Saturday 0700-1900 and Sunday 0700-1700. In tourist areas, stalls sell fur hats, hammer-and-sickle souvenir T-shirts and the ubiquitous matrioshka dolls.
Shopping centers
GUM (Gosudarstvenny Universalny Magazin), formerly a grand 19th-century department store on Red Square, is cram-full of expensive boutiques selling Hugo Boss, Dior, Calvin Klein and the like. Eliseev Gastronome, at 14 Tverskaya, is worth a visit even if you are not buying. Built in the 1880s as a nobleman's palace, it still retains its original marble pillars, mahogany shelving and candelabras. It is now owned by an upmarket supermarket chain.
Key areas
Tverskaya ulitsa, north of Red Square, is Moscow's most fashionable shopping street with numerous highly expensive boutiques. Most tourist-oriented gift stores tend to be concentrated on touristy ulitsa Arbat.
Shopping hours
Shopping hours in Moscow are generally Monday to Saturday 0900-1800. Some larger stores open from 1000-2000.
