Beryozka

Beryozka was a chain of state-run stores in the Soviet Union that sold goods exclusively for foreign currency or for special Beryozka certificates. These certificates were often distributed as payment to Soviet citizens working abroad, or as gifts to foreigners visiting the USSR. The stores were established in the early 1960s and operated until the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The purpose of Beryozka stores was twofold. Firstly, they served as a mechanism for the Soviet government to acquire scarce foreign currency, which was essential for international trade and obtaining advanced technology. Secondly, they provided a way to distribute desirable imported goods, which were not available in regular Soviet shops, to a select segment of the population. These goods included clothing, electronics, food items, and cosmetics, often of Western origin.

Access to Beryozka was limited. While foreigners could shop with their hard currency, Soviet citizens needed to obtain Beryozka certificates, which were not freely transferable. This created a de facto stratification, as possessing these certificates often signified a connection to foreign work, international organizations, or official gifting. The stores were a visible symbol of the economic disparities and the planned economy's unique approach to consumer goods and foreign exchange. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, most Beryozka stores were privatized or closed down.