The term "Commercial Shop" was originally used by the Russians to indicate private or non-state shops that were free to set their own higher prices, in contrast to "state shops" with fixed prices. As of May 1993 most prices were "free" (to rise, usually) and the distinction quickly became less meaningful. Even the few remaining state food stores with controlled prices have "commercial" sections. Now only a few products such as food staples, gas, electricity, telephone, transport, and official rentals still have low subsidized prices. Thus, the economic distinction between "state" and "commercial" shops for the consumer virtually disappeared.

There were literally hundreds of "private commercial shops" in St. Petersburg, (not counting kiosks), from tiny hole-in-the-walls to elegant fashion salons. Most have disappeared or metamorphosed into specialty shops. For that reason we no longer list these shops in a special category. The term "commercial shops" is still used by the people however and often refers to smaller stores with no clear specialty which sell a changing variety of imported and Russian goods, including liquor, shoes, TVs/radios/videos, soft drinks, cigarettes, jeans, clothing, etc. The selection is remarkably similar from shop to shop.

Larger stores with three or four really good departments such as clothing, shoes, audio-video equipment, alcohol and packaged foods called "trade house" and are listed in TRADEHOUSES, (Torgovyy dom) or DEPARTMENT STORES

All private shops with one clear specialty have been placed in the appropriate category e.g. CLOTHING, ELECTRONIC GOODS (Stereos, Radio-TV's, VCR's, CD players).