Russians scramble for snow-clearing tools amid record January blizzard
Heavy snowfall that blanketed much of Russia in early January 2026 has triggered a surge in demand for snow-clearing supplies. Sales of shovels, car snow brushes, ice scrapers, and snow blowers on leading online marketplaces have skyrocketed compared to last year, according to TASS.
Data from major platforms shows that the peak in consumer activity coincided with the heaviest snowfall on January 9. Shovel sales on Wildberries and Ozon increased five- to eightfold, while Avito reported a record-breaking spike—29 times higher in the first 11 days of the month. Demand on Ozon was driven primarily by residents of small towns and rural areas, who accounted for every second order of winter equipment.
Notably, despite the dramatic rise in sales volumes, average prices for these items have remained stable. The cost of shovels on Avito rose by just 2%, while the average receipt for car snow brushes increased by only 3%. This suggests that marketplaces and sellers responded swiftly to the surge in demand without significantly hiking prices.
Earlier reports detailed how districts in Krasnodar Krai organized snow removal efforts and monitored flood risks. Local authorities mobilized rapid response teams to clear snow, address storm damage, and ensure public safety.
