Adjacent to the institute along the river one can find a long row of outdoor artisans showing their works. This market exists year-round, even in the deep cold of winter. The bargains aren't what they were a few years ago, I suspect because the vendors have learned much more about western supply and demand, but some deals can be had with a little bargaining effort. Shopping in more conventional stores is not what it used to be. The selections are big and the supply is plentiful.
Products are common from Europe and the U.S. in addition to an interesting supply of Russian items.
Coca Cola and Pepsi are available almost everywhere, and American-style restaurants, including McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and T.G. I. Friday's, are scattered throughout the city. This is to tie prices to a stable currency to avoid having to reprint menus as the value of the ruble changes. Normally a late-night return to the hotel on the Metro is not an unsafe proposition. Except for current tensions associated with the NATO actions in Yugoslavia, my experience indicates that Moscow is a relatively safe city. Occasional groups of Gypsy children can be seen trying to distract and pick-pocket unwitting visitors on or near the Metro, but this is quite rare.