The Russian business man quoted analysts from fashion consultancy group as a report that Russian clothing and footwear sales have declined for the first time since 2015.

According to experts estimates, in 2019, the Russian fashion market turnover decreased by 3-4%, sales of about 2 trillion and 300 billion roubles. It should be noted that this is the first decline since 2015, and sales fell by 9% to 2 trillion and 270 billion rubles in 2015.

Analysts pointed out that the decrease in turnover is related to the reduction of real income of residents. According to data from Russian Federation's National Bureau of statistics, the actual income of Russian residents dropped by 0.8% in 1-9 months in 2019.

In the late autumn and winter, under the exceptionally warm weather background, the reduction of winter clothing sales is also one of the factors that affect the market decline.

In addition, market participants pointed out that the volume of shopping centres decreased. According to Watcom group's calculation, in 2019, the index of shopping index reflecting the number of visitors per square metre retail area in Moscow in 2019 was 17% lower than that in 2013.

Analysts expect no major changes to the Russian fashion market in 2020.