Central Federal District remains the largest in Russia in terms of retail sales - February 2011

The Central Federal District generates one-third of retail turnover in Russia, mostly in Moscow and its vicinity. The relative wealth of the region made it more resistant to the 2009 financial crisis, which also slightly strengthened the district’s significance. However, it is not sufficiently affluent to guarantee prosperity for local grocery chains, some of which were forced to close. Those who remained have had to take corrective measures to adapt to the challenging environment.

Central Federal District (CFD) remains the largest retail market in Russia, representing 34% of retail sales in 2009 that is RUB 4,920bn ($155bn). It is nearly twice the size of the second-largest retail market - Volga FD, which accounts for 18% of Russia’s retail turnover. The affluence of the capital city and its vicinity is the main reason for CFD significance.