Until now, the cost of food sold in state stores has been kept down through price controls and store subsidies.

Best of all, the prices, on average, are competitive with those in the old, drab state stores.

Some suggest distribution through "state stores" run by government agencies.

That's why there's so little vodka in the state stores.

People say some is bought by insiders at state stores, and resold for many times the price.

One ingredient, alcohol, was purchased at a state store, he said.

She had purchased the bags for less than half that price by standing in line at a state store.

But on closer inspection it is a step up from ordinary state stores.

The economists guess that just 40 percent of food consumed is now distributed through state stores.

In the private markets, milk sells for 3 rubles, or five times the rate at the state store.