- Retailers working to acquire stock early amid ongoing supply chain disruptions leading into the holiday shopping season
- Consumers encouraged to start shopping early to avoid delivery delays
- Holiday spending expected to increase considerably due to higher consumer demand and a resumption of in-store shopping
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
Retailers are again anticipating (and encouraging) a wave of early holiday shopping as COVID-19 and associated disruptions again impact the season.
Supply chain disruptions related to the pandemic are expected to persist into 2022, leading to issues such as a shortage in products, reduced selection, higher prices, and delayed deliveries. Other issues are also expected to contribute to holiday shopping challenges, including a microchip shortage, slower manufacturing processes, and a labor shortage in the retail sector.
At the same time, spending on holiday gifts is forecast to increase considerably compared to 2020 due to higher consumer demand and a resumption of in-store shopping. Similar to last year, retailers are expected to offer fewer deals and occasions like Black Friday are likely to have a more muted effect than usual.
Retailers have been ordering early and stockpiling goods in an effort to acquire enough stock to meet consumer demand. Consumers are again being encouraged to start their holiday shopping early to ensure that they can get the gifts they want and won’t experience shipping delays when buying online.
