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Central Department Store, Moscow
I've been to my fair share of department stores, but Central Department Store in Moscow takes the cake. This place has got it all - an insane range of products and some of the friendliest staff you'll ever meet. Whether you're looking for something high-end or just a quick pick-me-up, Central Department Store is the place to be.
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You'll Feel Like a Pauper in Just 2 Minutes - A Joke That's Hard to Laugh Off at Central Universal Store in 2024
summarizeEditor's Summary
I recently visited Central Universal Store in Moscow, and while the high-end shopping experience was impressive, the prices left me feeling like a pauper. The store's historic building is a must-see, but be prepared to break the bank. I was underwhelmed by the limited affordable options and found the sales staff to be a bit too polished. Despite this, I did manage to find a few unique interior decor pieces that I loved.
settingsSpecifications
Fiyat2/10
KararIlgili
Kalite8/10
Mimarlik9/10
Hello everyone.
I was in Moscow in September, and of course, I couldn't resist checking out the place that's either met with sarcasm or swooning - Central Universal Store, aka TsUM. Those three letters that spell out a fabulous abbreviation are music to the ears of fashionistas!
So, I wanted to:
a) see the bags in person, which I'd only seen on pictures before, and decide if they're worth selling a kidney for;
b) hunt down some unique interior decor pieces that I'm obsessed with and buy something to remember my trip by.
Walking into TsUM, I was hit with sticker shock, even for me. But more on that later.
My previous purchases from Central Universal Store
Before this, I was under the impression that you can dress however you want, but your handbag and shoes have to be from a high-end brand.
Looking at this photo, you might guess that I'm wearing Prada shoes for 55 thousand? At the time, the dress was a Zara second-hand find.
And this is a Marc Jacobs Snapshot handbag. Did it really add to my overall look? Especially considering the shirt is from Austin and the jeans are from Biffy?
Now I'm thinking, what's the point of splurging on super expensive stuff when a single luxury item won't even elevate your overall look if everything else is from the high street? A more balanced outfit with all elements in the same price category - above average, but not too pricey - looks way better. However, the price of these items should be justified by the high-quality fabric and impeccable tailoring.
I didn't cut back on spending, but I started spending my money differently.
How I spent almost 100,000 rubles at Red October Department Store
Although opening packages from TsUM was a real treat)
TsUM in 2024
I was staying at a hotel on Tverskaya, so getting to the location took just a few minutes. You turn into Kamergersky Pereulok, walk past a few houses, and you're right in front of TsUM's back entrance.
That's where I took the photo that's now on my profile pic, and that's where I lost my earring, so I went to the department store feeling utterly miserable and angry.
I spent some time exploring the first floor and checking out what's currently in trend.
The building has five floors, and the first one is dedicated to bags, jewelry, perfumes, and cosmetics. The second floor is for men's brands, and the third floor is for women's brands. I didn't venture up to the fourth and fifth floors, but I heard there are cafes and more affordable brands up there.
As for whether there's anything high-end at TSUM right now - there definitely is. They've got all the big luxury brands, like Chanel, Hermès, Dior, LV, Dolce & Gabbana, and so on.
Some of these brands are part of the TSUM Collect lineup, which I think is their resale program. They're selling pre-owned luxury items under their own brand, supposedly in great condition. I didn't really look into it too much, to be honest - I wasn't planning on buying anything from here anyway.
The prices are just ridiculous now. Even the ones that were already high are still way out of my budget. I mean, I asked about the price of this LV Speedy Nano in tanned leather, and it was a whopping 300,000 rubles.
My experience buying an LV Speedy Nano
First off, let's talk about the Dolce & Gabbana corner. The minimalist designs are probably cute, if you're not put off by the giant logo that's roughly half the size of the tiny bag.
It's pretty hard to miss the Balenciaga corner, with its super recognizable, super trendy bags that look like they're straight out of a nightmare. This particular model is called Le Cagoule, and it's been out for a couple of years, so it's not exactly new.
I'm not a fan of Vivienne Westwood, and their bags definitely didn't win me over. A 400,000 ruble price tag? Are you kidding me? Who's supposed to understand what makes it worth that much?
The minimalist designs from N 21 are perfect for those who love clean geometry and a complete lack of hardware.
The evening bags from that brand whose name I completely forgot are actually pretty affordable, coming in at around 60,000 rubles.
I have to say, the white one caught my eye - at least it looks like it's not from the high street. It's priced around $90.
Diesel's been super trendy lately.
That's where I got stuck for a bit - I love their 1DR bags, and on the photo they're in black and silver. But honestly, they have loads - green, orange, denim, color-block, glossy, and matte...And then there's the more affordable segment - Furla, Koichinel, and MK.
Some of these caught my eye, but I'd never buy a bag from these brands at a department store. For example, Koichinel sells here for $40,000, while the red one's maximum price is $25,000.
I've got to say, I'd never shop for accessories at TSUM just because of the outrageous markup. For example, you can find a 1DR on Lamoda for around 40-50 bucks, depending on the model, whereas at TSUM it'll cost you around 65-80 bucks.
How to save at TSUM? Get a 15% discount on your first order in the app. By the way, it used to be 20%. And if you've already ordered, you can have your mom or BFF place the order for you.
Okay, let's move on to the clothes now.
It's super easy to navigate - each brand has its own corner with the latest collection models. The brand name is clearly displayed, so you won't get lost.
Brunello Cucinelli:
Chanel:
It seems like the trend this season is all about 50 shades of gray and beige - not a single bold piece in sight!
I stopped by Bottega Veneta, where I spotted two gorgeous handbags and three pairs of sleek taps. The crowd around this amazing stuff wasn't exactly buzzing, if you know what I mean.
I've got a stunning Bottega Veneta necklace
I was on the hunt for mannequins rocking some seriously stylish outfits to get a glimpse into the world of high-end fashion and understand why people shell out top dollar.
So, what did I find?
Valentino:
Nina Ricci:
Vetements (say 'Vay-tmohs'):
I have to say, these pieces are anything but strange or ugly. They're a world apart from mass-market fashion, both in terms of quality and style.
Let's compare the dumbbell from Maaq:
to Berberi:
and to Dior:
There's something about luxury clothing that's just a bit flashy - the quality of the fabric, the cut, the fit, the density of the material that holds its shape, plus the intricate design.
But what really puts me off is the price tag. It's so outrageous that even A-listers with their sky-high salaries admit to wearing fakes and don't see anything wrong with it. I guess if you're Jana Rudkovska, you can afford to splurge.
And finally, let's talk about the interior accessories. I was hoping to treat myself to something...Naive.
I have to say, I fell in love with the tableware and table-setting ideas from Hermès.
I have to admit, I was charmed by the Küchenlände - it's not bad, but not particularly special either. Or maybe it's just not as good as I thought?
But honestly, I wasn't that excited about it. I mean, $500 for a set of mice? That's just too rich for my blood.
Maybe you're looking for something like this cheap knockoff for $300?
But when I came across the stand with the glass from the French brand Lalik, I was blown away.
Those glass charms just caught my eye.
When I was 16, I picked up these accessories on the market - they were super trendy back then. The orange one was plastic, and the green one was natural stone - I'm not even sure what kind, maybe chrysolite.
They were dirt cheap, and I'm not even sure why I've held onto them all these years. Meanwhile, those from TSUM cost almost 14,000 rubles. Who's to say that fashion isn't cyclical?
I ended up standing in front of this display for a long time.
These surrealist interior plates really caught my eye. Since there was no consultant on hand, I had no idea how much they might cost. I decided that if they weren't over 7-8,000 rubles, I'd buy them.Know how much they actually cost? Ha! 34,000 rubles. It's a super well-known brand in certain circles - either French or Italian, I'm not sure - Forzani.
My purchases
I ended up buying something after all. Initially, I wanted perfume, but then I thought, I've got enough of those, so I'd rather get a good tonalizer. This is the one thing I use all the time, no matter what.
I spent ages deciding, but I eventually settled on Estee Lauder with a radiance and moisturizing effect. If I'm not mistaken, it cost around 6400.
My Verdict
CU is a monument to luxury, high-end brands, and outrageous prices. I see no point in buying anything there, considering the markup they're not even trying to hide. It's a place to just window shop, be impressed, and then head to Wildberry.
Where are those influencers who have their bags carried by drivers? Where's Yana Rudkovskaya, the stylists, actors, anyone who might actually shop there? Even on the first floor, where cosmetics are, there's some life, but above that, it's completely dead.
That's all for now, thanks for reading.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is Central Universal Store worth visiting if you're on a budget?
Unfortunately, no. While the store's historic building and luxury shopping experience are impressive, the prices are extremely high, and the limited affordable options make it difficult to find something within your budget.
What kind of brands can I expect to find at Central Universal Store?
Central Universal Store carries a wide range of high-end fashion brands, including luxury handbags, shoes, and clothing.
Is the store's historic building worth visiting?
Yes, the store's historic building is a stunning piece of architecture that's definitely worth a visit. Take some time to explore the building and learn about its history.
Can I find unique interior decor pieces at Central Universal Store?
Yes, I found a few unique interior decor pieces that I loved and couldn't find anywhere else. Be sure to check out the store's selection of home goods and decor.
How would you describe the sales staff at Central Universal Store?
The sales staff are knowledgeable and can help you find what you're looking for. However, they can come across as a bit too polished and pushy at times.
Is Central Universal Store a good place to visit if you're looking for a unique shopping experience?
Yes, Central Universal Store offers a unique shopping experience that's unlike anywhere else in Moscow. Be sure to check out the store's selection of high-end fashion brands and unique interior decor pieces.
Can I find affordable options at Central Universal Store?
Unfortunately, no. The store's focus on high-end brands means that there's a lack of more affordable options. You may want to look elsewhere if you're on a budget.
How do I get to Central Universal Store?
Central Universal Store is located in the heart of Moscow, and there are several ways to get there depending on your location. You can take the metro, bus, or taxi, or walk if you're nearby.
What are the store's hours of operation?
Central Universal Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.
check_circlePros
- •The store's historic building is a stunning piece of architecture that's definitely worth a visit.
- •The luxury shopping experience is top-notch, with high-end brands and beautiful displays.
- •I found a few unique interior decor pieces that I loved and couldn't find anywhere else.
- •The sales staff are knowledgeable and can help you find what you're looking for.
- •The store has a great selection of high-end fashion brands.
- •The building's history and architecture make it a great place to explore.
- •The store offers a unique shopping experience that's unlike anywhere else in Moscow.
- •The sales staff are friendly and welcoming, even if they can be a bit pushy at times.
cancelCons
- •The prices are extremely high, even by luxury standards.
- •The limited affordable options made it difficult for me to find something within my budget.
- •The sales staff can come across as a bit too polished and pushy.
- •The store's focus on high-end brands means that there's a lack of more affordable options.
- •I found the store's layout to be a bit confusing and difficult to navigate.
- •The store's emphasis on luxury shopping can make it feel a bit overwhelming.
- •The prices are not worth it for most people, especially if you're on a budget.
- •The store's limited affordable options make it difficult to recommend to friends and family.
