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The weight of the economic sanctions and the boycott of Russia are beginning to have significant repercussions on the daily lives of Russians. The major Western brands are pulling the curtain, following the example of H&M, Hermès, but also fast foods. Wednesday March 9, it is the turn of Mc Donalds to close its 850 restaurants in the country.
In the heart of Moscow (Russia), a shopping street is almost empty. The doors are closed and the curtains down, Wednesday, March 9. A sign on a shop reads ‘shop temporarily closed’.
All the brands belong to European or American groups. “I can’t watch my favorite movies on Netflix anymore, buy my favorite brands because they’re all closed now”said a young Russian woman. “I don’t like it, all the stores are closing, the car showrooms too, I am against this war and for negotiations as soon as possible”says another man.
Thursday, March 3, just before the announced closure, the Russians rushed into Western brands like Ikea. The Swedish store is closing its 17 outlets in support of Ukraine. Wednesday, March 9, it’s Macdonald’s turn to close its doors. Customers came to enjoy a last bite. “I think it’s terrible that it affects people’s daily lives”laments a woman.
The giant Macdo has 850 restaurants in the country. In a press release, the brand however promises to maintain the salaries of employees in Russia. For many Muscovites, the country’s economy is already in turmoil, especially after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.