I lived in Moscow in the mid-1980s. Shortages were standard & you soon learned the rules of hoarding. The rules are the same here in the US today.
First go necessary hygiene products: soap, detergent & toilette paper that can be stored forever, here also a broader assortment.
First go necessary hygiene products: soap, detergent & toilette paper that can be stored forever, here also a broader assortment.
Second, Russians hoarded non-perishable foods or condiments: salt (goes first), sugar, flour & conserves (if edible). Here pasta, rice & frozen foods can be added.
Third, wealthy Muscovites hoarded dollar cash, just like here.
Third, wealthy Muscovites hoarded dollar cash, just like here.
In Moscow there were no medicines to hoard, which Americans now hoard. Nor perishable foods, but they cannot be hoarded & are not hoarded here either. Gas was available but rarely hoarded because it was too dangerous. Matches were hoarded, but who uses them today?
As an economist, I find it interesting to see how similar the rules of hoarding are: cheap, necessary & durable.
