The 2021 holiday season is expected to be particularly challenging for holiday shopping. The peak of the shopping season is right around the corner and consumers are already battling unstocked store shelves and shipping delays, making it difficult for consumers to acquire what they want when needed. This year, more than ever, is the year to do your holiday shopping early.
3 Reasons Why You Should Start Holiday Shopping Today
Supply Chain Issues: As we mentioned in a recent blog post, supply chain issues are causing issues for numerous manufacturers and suppliers, meaning certain highly desirable items may become entirely unavailable as the holidays grow closer. In order to accommodate for the delays and shortages, many sellers are increasing the length of their holiday special prices to relieve the pressure on shipping. According to Yahoo Finance, the following stores have already begun releasing their deals:
- Amazon: Early Black Friday Deals which will run throughout the month
- Best Buy: Best Buy has released some deals on their homepage, and will have a large sale November 19th.
- Target: Holiday Best Promotions that lead up to Black Friday
- Walmart: Special Sales Events held throughout the month of November
Shipping Delays: Due to the supply shortages, shipping container shortages, and port closures shipping delays are much higher this year. These delays are for both international and domestic shipping. It is important for you to be prepared for shipping delays this holiday season to ensure gifts come in time. The two largest package/courier carriers, UPS Inc and FedEx Corp warn you of likely shipping delays this holiday season. A UPS executive warned that if you purchase Christmas gifts now, they may not arrive until the spring. Consumers typically blame these courier or delivery companies for shipping delays, however it is not entirely their fault. The slowdowns stem from a number of factors. UPS, FedEx and the U.S Postal Service have already released their recommended deadlines to ship packages in time for the holidays. The busiest week for packages during the holidays is December 13-18. Hence, last minute shoppers may be out of luck this holiday season with an increase in shipping delays. Businesses are already experiencing shipping issues and the holiday season has not begun just yet.
Rising Prices: There are rising prices due to the supply issues, labor shortages, and higher prices for shipping and manufacturing. Consumer prices are expected to increase in nearly every consumer category. Online prices are currently up 3 percent heading into the holidays, and the Adobe Digital Economy Index, predicts that it will be in the 5 percent to 25 percent range across categories this season. It is not a promise that you will save more if you start your holiday shopping now. However, start looking for deals today to save money.
While you start planning your holiday shopping, remember your business requires even more detailed planning. As we near the beginning of Q1, it is time to check in on your security protocols and make the necessary adjustments for the current security landscape. Need extra hands as your focus on your family, your employees, and your business objectives for the New Year? Evans Brothers Consulting has your back.
Take the initiative today and contact info@evansbrothersconsulting.com or call 617-545-1500 to set up a short, no-cost, preliminary discussion.
No one knows Boston like the Evans Brothers.