Ikea has joined the raft of retailers to issue warnings about problems with stock deliveries. Gaps are already beginning to appear on store shelves due to a combination of container shipping delays, a shortage of HGV drivers, and issues with raw material supplies.
The national press is already advising readers that certain toys, festive foodstuffs and gifts may not be available this year. This looks set to spur consumers to start buying gifts much earlier in the season. It is to be expected that there will be far fewer retailers participating in Black Friday promotions and that, inevitably, prices will be increasing in line with the additional costs being borne. Container shipping rates, in particular, have risen sharply and to the point where increased costs have to be passed on.
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