Russian retailers are closing brick-and-mortar stores en masse
According to the latest data, the Russian retail market is undergoing significant changes. More than a third of companies operating in the retail sector have decided to close their physical retail locations and switch entirely to online sales.
Statistics show that nearly 40% of the surveyed companies have significantly reduced the number of their stores. At the same time, 36% of brands have chosen to abandon the offline format entirely, focusing exclusively on e-commerce.
Experts note that the situation is most difficult for mid-market brands. Rising costs for rent, logistics, and the maintenance of retail space are forcing businesses to seek more cost-effective ways to interact with customers.
Moving online allows companies to optimize costs and reach a wider audience across the country. In the current economic climate, many entrepreneurs see digital sales channels as the only way to save their business and remain competitive.
Thus, the face of Russian retail continues to change. Customers increasingly prefer to order goods online, and businesses are adapting to new demands, gradually moving from shopping centers into the virtual space.