Shop talk: How pandemic supply and demand puts presents in peril
With global supply chains under continued pressure from the pandemic, hot-ticket items on holiday wish lists could be harder to find this year, which is prompting retail experts to encourage shoppers to get a head start this season.
Andrew Wagar of the Canadian Toy Association says if you want to make sure those coveted presents make it under the Christmas tree this year, you’ll want to start crossing items off your shopping list a little earlier than usual.
"Every year in the holiday season there are certain hot toys that sell out faster than others," says Wagar. “It is expected that those certain items are going to sell out faster than normal, they’re going to be replenished slower than usual.”
While you might be tempted to wait for last-minute holiday deals, those could not only be more difficult to come by than in years past, costs could potentially climb instead.
"So right now, early on in the season, is a really good time to shop," says Wagar. "There’s a good supply of products on the shelves, people aren’t actively holiday shopping as they usually would and prices are good."
The issues and disruptions in the worldwide supply network are being further fuelled by worker shortage, and Jim Cormier of the Retail Council of Canada says these problems could last well into next year before being ironed out.
"Retailers are buying in bulk now more so than they ever have in advance of the holiday shopping season, they want to be prepared," says Cormier.
The cost of groceries is also rising, especially at the meat counter. Both beef and chicken are up about 12 per cent while pork is up about 6 per cent. One of the reasons for the increasing price tags on food items is the increasing costs of transportation.
According to food distribution and policy professor Sylvain Charlebois of Dalhousie University, because the Atlantic region gets so many of its products shipped in by truck and train – when logistical costs go up, it can potentially impact our region more than others around the country.
“Oil is up and that makes to move anything at all really will cost more," says Charlebois, “and so prices are being adjusted as a result."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.