During the Soviet Union era (1922-1991), the consumer products available to the general population were limited in comparison to Western countries due to the centralized planned economy and the focus on heavy industry and military production. The Soviet economy prioritized the production of industrial goods, machinery, and military equipment over consumer goods. As a result, many consumer products were often in short supply, and there were fewer choices available to consumers.
Some of the common consumer products that were available in the Soviet Union included:
Food items: Basic food staples like bread, potatoes, vegetables, and some meat were available. However, there were frequent shortages of certain goods like meat, butter, and sugar.
Clothing: Basic clothing items such as shirts, pants, and shoes were produced and sold, but the variety and quality were limited.
Household goods: Basic household items like furniture, kitchenware, and appliances were available, but selection and quality were often modest.
Personal care products: Basic toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and shampoo were produced, but the variety and availability could be limited.
Electronics and technology: The availability of electronics and technological products were limited, and consumer choices were restricted.
As for foreign brands, during the Soviet era, the country had limited trade and economic relations with the outside world, especially with Western countries. Foreign brands were not commonly available in regular stores. However, some luxury foreign goods could be found in special stores catering to diplomats and foreigners or on the black market, but access to these products was highly restricted and not accessible to the general population.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian market opened up to foreign brands and products, leading to a significant increase in the availability and variety of consumer goods from around the world. Today, you can find various foreign brands in Russia and other former Soviet countries, similar to what you would find in most other countries globally.