Russians' consumer plans for 2010

2010-03-02

In 2010, and in keeping with 2009 tendencies, Russians plans to spend the majority of their disposable income on home improvements. Meanwhile, spending on holidays and education will increase in comparison with last year. In addition, more Russians expect to be able to afford cars and furniture.

This year, 22% of Russian consumers will spend the majority of their disposable income on home improvements, followed by holidays (13%) and education (10%), according to a survey conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM), which polled 1,600 respondents across the country.

Six per cent of respondents plan at least some spending on buying a mobile phone, car or video or digital camera, followed by 5% who plan to invest in the purchase of a computer or furniture. Only 4% of those participating in the survey plan to spend their money on buying luxury items, fitness club membership, home cinema, sports equipment or a garage.

Fewer Russians (only 3%) plan to spend their income on consumer goods, (such as a washing machine, refrigerator or cooker), medical insurance, acquiring an apartment or a house. Buying a television, audio and video electronics or a plot of land is of interest to 2% of Russian consumers surveyed.

Last year 13% of Russians claimed to have invested in home improvements. Despite this figure falling way short of the 22% who had originally planned to invest in this, it was still the most popular investment of those surveyed. Mobile phone was the second most popular purchase last year – with 9% of respondents having purchased one despite only 6% having planned to. Spending on education followed, with 6% of survey respondents having spent money on this.

Interestingly, despite 9% of respondents having originally planned to spend their money on a holiday in 2009, only 4% actually did so. Only 5% of Russians bought a computer, washing machine or television. Last year most of those Russians surveyed claimed to have not been able to afford to buy a membership to a fitness club, medical insurance or property (only 1% did so).

Svitlana Barnes
PMR Correspondent