Experience of trading institutions of Torgsin (trade with foreigners) with the population of Ivanovo Industrial Region in 1933-1935

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the main forms of interaction between Torgsin (trade with foreigners) trading institutions and the population of Ivanovo Industrial Region in 1933–1935. The question of the evolution of Torgsin's own money issued to customers in exchange for surrendered values was investigated. The stages of replacement of trade orders with commodity books are indicated. Data on prices for basic food and industrial goods in Torgsin stores are presented, the dynamics of sales, factors that influenced the policy of lowering and raising prices. Legal documents were considered that contributed to improving the supply of goods to the population, as well as the issue of the ratio of Torgsin sales prices and Soviet industry selling prices. An assortment of domestic and imported goods is presented. Special attention is paid to the prices of collective farm markets of the largest towns of Ivanovo Industrial Region. The ratio of market and official rates of the gold and Soviet rouble was considered. The study allowed to consider the advantages and disadvantages in Torgsin's work with the population of the region. The direction of consumer demand has been studied. Based on a comparative analysis of Torgsin prices and the free market of the region, an idea of the level of accessibility of various groups of goods for buyers is made.