>>20265441Not saying it was, but it wasn't competitive consumerism when you had one brand of cosmetics, two brands of ham... the consumer choice was buy or not to buy. Sometime the choice was made for you, because the central planning fucked up and there weren't sufficient supplies of sanitary products. The western stuff was usually smuggled or sold for exorbitant price, depending on the country usual with different kind of currency that could be used only in the special western goodies stores. And to get that currency, it was good to have (shady) connections.
Which is also reason for strong DIY culture in Slav countries - want some nice dress? Well, have somebody you know working in the textile factories "borrow" some fabrics and sew the dress yourself. Building a house? Maybe your friendly worker from brickworks will get you something you need, in exchange of you helping him with fixing a car/getting a half of pig/getting his daughter to a better high school...
