Supply chain issues exacerbated by COVID-19 may affect the holiday season. From the food on the table at holiday dinners to the hottest tech and toys of the season, global supply chain issues may make it more difficult than usual to find these hot ticket items this season.
Issues with the supply chain have been prevalent over the past year, as a result of COVID-19 causing the global supply chain to take a pause. As a result of this, the supply chain is now experiencing an overload causing ports to be clogged up for weeks.
Despite many countries’ production beginning to return to normal, COVID-19 is still a threat to some.
“We still have the issue of COVID popping up in countries and potentially shutting down factories,” said Simone Peinkofer, assistant professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University.
Unfortunately, this issue is not limited to international goods but can be seen in American goods as well. The price for turkey and other produce usually eaten during the holiday season showed a fairly significant price increase.
The lack of truck drivers is also causing an issue since there is not anyone to pick up and deliver the goods once the ships make it into the ports and actually become able to unload.
Many economists are encouraging consumers to shop locally if possible to help ease the demand for these goods.
Similar to last year, tech goods are going to be among the hardest to find with items, such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 both, facing stock issues, as well as other devices like laptops, phones and TVs due to the lack of computer chips.
Despite these issues though, many major retailers believe that they are ready for the holiday season and the shopping that comes with it. Most products that usually sell out will just more than likely sell out at faster rates than years prior.
Many retailers are encouraging consumers to shop as early as possible for their holiday needs, whether it’s foods, tech or toys, to ensure they are able to find what they need and that it is available before the holidays are here.
Retailers are also encouraging buying in–store or with store pick–up programs in order to make sure consumers’ orders get to them on time.
Some Winthrop students have creative ways of ensuring they can get their holiday gifts in time.
“I am going to be mostly getting my gifts from antique stores and thrifting,” said Haley Beu, a sophomore English education major. “I like the uniqueness of gifts from those types of stores, and a lot of the time when buying gifts, it’s more like I see something and think of someone.”
Others are taking a more hands–on approach to gift–giving,
“I am going to be mostly making gifts this year for my friends and family,” said Giselle Mesa, a sophomore psychology major. “I have really been into crocheting lately, and a lot of my friends have really been liking what I have been making.”
