There are fewer products on the shelves in Russian stores.

      According to analysts, in July the selection of food products declined by 2.3% compared with last year, and non‑food products by 1.8%. The most notable decreases occurred in the alcohol (−5.6%) and children's goods (−5.1%) categories.

      Among non‑food items, the assortment of children's cosmetics (−8.3%) and facial care products (−7.3%) shrank the most. Experts attribute this to a drop in the number of new product launches and to growth in online sales. In addition, stores themselves are becoming more compact, which reduces available shelf space.

      Retailers, explained Saltanat Nysanova, director of client relations at Nielsen, are increasingly removing poorly selling items from shelves to optimize assortments. Kommersant clarified that this trend is being reinforced by changes in consumer habits and the shift of some shoppers to online channels.