CHRISTMAS TOYS: “Out-of-stock”

CHRISTMAS TOYS: “Out-of-stock signs popped up earlier” this year because of “surging consumer demand & supply chain issues” with “higher prices for raw materials & backed-up ports & trucking shortages” making “it more difficult for toy companies to stay stocked” & “supply companies can’t get stock in.” And “whatever stock does come in, sells out immediately, especially sense customers have been warned to shop early.” Julie Lennett, a toys industry analyst said, “I think it’s going to be pretty tough on parents if their child has a very specific list. If they say, I just want a Barbie doll, you will be able to find a Barbie doll. If they ask for a very specific one, you might have a little bit of a harder time.” However “Bigger retailers found creative & costly ways to navigate the problems.” “Walmart, Target & Costco chartered their own ships to bring stuff into the country. So for them the distribution problem will be less of a headache.” “Meanwhile, smaller companies are struggling to navigate these rough seas.” Co-Founder & President of Sky Castle Toys said “I think all I want for Christmas is ocean bookings. So if you see Santa, ask him for some extra container space.” “Typically we’d pay $3 to $4,000 for a 40-foot container. The most recent containers we shipped were $25,000, so you’re looking at like a 6 times increase, so it’s been nuts.” read more...