'Totally different': Shipping problems expected to impact Edmonton holiday shoppers
With more than two months to go before Christmas, shoppers are being warned to buy early to avoid high prices and fewer options – due to supply chain problems and increased shipping costs.
“Generally speaking there will be enough product...the thing to be aware of is that the product might be more expensive,” Heather Thompson, with the University of Alberta School of Business, said.
Many stores are counting on 2021 to help them rebound from pandemic slowdowns, but staffing shortages at major ports and in the trucking industry have retailers worried, Thompson said.
“This is the time of year for retailers... most retailers will do close to a third of their business at this time of year,” she pointed out.
Winter tires, electronics and books are on the list of things in short supply.
At a west Edmonton tire shop Thursday, a truck driver fighting to keep supplies moving said companies are hiring.
“We are desperate for people, it doesn’t matter from dock workers to whatever, we’re desperate for people. Bodies! That can pass drug tests!” Kim Wigley said with a chuckle.
The global problem was also affecting Audrey’s Books on Jasper Ave.
“Containers are in short supply and very expensive, and vessels to carry them are booked heavily,” owner Steve Budnarchuk said.
“These are small incremental delays that are going to add up to a totally different season,” he said, adding if you’re looking for something specific, you should go early.
That was the same advice at Mastermind Toys - where staff said customers have already been stocking up for Christmas.
“We have seen 4 times the sales of advent calendars at this point compared to last year, and so to me that is a really good indication of customers preparing early,” Susan Anderson said.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.