In Russia, sales of retro audio and photo equipment have increased significantly between January and August 2026. According to Platform OFD, CD player sales rose by 16% compared to 2025 and 51% against 2024, with a median price of 9 607 ₽. Cassette recorders saw a 10% year-on-year increase in sales, reaching a median price of 12 509 ₽.
Film camera sales grew by 12% compared to 2025, with a median price of 4 678 ₽. Vinyl record player sales also rose by 10% year-on-year, with a median price of 26 708 ₽. Data from Wildberries confirms this trend, showing a 1.5-fold increase in CD player sales in the first half of 2026, while sales of compact cassettes grew by 46% in units.
Global trends mirror this shift toward retro aesthetics. Modern devices now incorporate vintage designs with contemporary features, such as smart typewriters like Freewrite priced at $700 and Pomera at $549. Updated boomboxes with Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity start at $99, while film cameras from brands like Polaroid and Kodak range from $30 to $250.
Despite the popularity of retro audio and film photography, niche items like manual typewriters remain in low demand, with only seven units sold on Wildberries in 2026. Sales of vintage-style mobile phones, such as the Motorola Razr V3 and Nokia N93, have declined by nearly 45% compared to 2025, suggesting consumers may prefer secondary market platforms for such devices.
