In Moscow only there are about 8 specialized wine shop networks and many more lower level individual stores. They have actively been built in the end of 2000-th and in this decade as well. They act on different basis – for example the assortment of Grand Cru wine shops is almost exclusively presented by the importing company Simple. Others, like Kollektsiya Vin, do import some of their wines themselves. “Simple” followers are the shops of the big player – importing company DP-Trade. It owns several shops in Moscow and all of them bear different names (in contrast to the Simple’s Grand Cru boutiques). But, again, the wine portfolio is 99% dominated by the mother company-importer.

So what is going on this specialized trade field right now and how does the economical frustration tell on their strategies?

No doubt, wine shops are now fighting for each and every customer. Some of them started to attract wine lovers by bigger discounts. Indeed, they also try to gain clients of competing networks. Reported by the general managers of the shops the average check has fallen 1.5-2.5 times and people continue to trade down. Some wine shops have moved or have been closed due to lack of turnover and seeking a better location.