The Patrons

Abstract

This chapter illustrates the experiences of the patrons in Torgsin. Even in Torgsin's best stores in the capital, as inspections attested, the glossy facade often concealed Soviet trade's habitual lack of culture, neglect of customers, inefficiency, and mismanagement. The further one went from Moscow, the worse the situation became: small dirty shops with fights in long queues, widespread rudeness, and boorishness; low-quality goods and unsanitary conditions. As an embodiment of Soviet trade, Torgsin was full of contradictions: the pretentious mirrored doors and dirt were only one of them. An acute shortage of goods did not prevent overstocking, and not just because hungry people had little interest in expensive luxuries and delicacies. The state-planned distribution did not take into account seasons, specific demands, and ethnic peculiarities. Acute shortages coexisted in Torgsin with enormous waste. Supply breakdowns — the scourge of Soviet trade — affected Torgsin as well, as numerous regional complaints show.