The consumer electronics and home appliance market in Russia is experiencing the sharpest decline in decades. Key segments have recorded drops: laptop sales fell by 10% in units and 14% in value, TVs by 10% and 6%, and desktop PCs by 9% and 11%. The main reasons cited are the high key interest rate and limited access to credit.
At the same time, the smartphone market is expected to shrink from 31.5 million to 26–27 million units per year. The average price of devices is rising, as consumers are buying phones for a “longer term,” typically 5–6 years.
Marketplaces, unlike traditional retail, are growing thanks to large discounts and aggressive competition. However, this is not a sign of a healthy market, but rather a result of buyers seeking the cheapest options, often choosing lesser-known brands over quality products. For example, the average price of wireless headphones has fallen below 2,000 rubles—a clear sign of sharp cost-cutting.
Even in the resale segment, the main growth driver is not innovation but the population’s financial hardship. People are increasingly buying used electronics instead of new ones in an effort to save money. This downward trend is intensifying, and the Russian electronics market will not be able to return to its previous volumes in the coming year
