Finding the right present for Christmas is often not easy.
This year there is also a supply problem due to the delivery bottlenecks.
The shelves are full - but certain items may no longer be available.
Leipzig - The worldwide delivery bottlenecks could cause some disappointed children's faces this year for Christmas presents. New releases and current models of very popular products could become scarce due to possible production bottlenecks, the Saxony Trade Association announced on request. "It is not to be expected that people will stand in front of empty shelves when they go shopping for Christmas," emphasized René Glaser, General Manager of the association.
The Christmas business has always been very important for the toy trade, up to 40 percent of sales are achieved in the fourth quarter, explained Ulrich Brobeil, Managing Director of the German Association of the Toy Industry.
In the past few years, articles in particularly high demand were already sold out in December.
Reorders are no longer possible here during the year.
According to Brobeil, the disruptions in supply chains have now led to manufacturers who are dependent on preliminary products from Asia - such as microchips, sound modules or inexpensive small parts - have longer delivery times.
The problem of the availability of goods primarily concerns innovations that were announced for the fourth quarter.
The production and logistics levels in Asia are therefore causing problems.
“For example, the procurement of sea freight containers is impaired because many containers are not available where they are needed,” said René Glaser.
The trade has to adjust to increasingly unpredictable transport routes, production bottlenecks and thus also rising production and procurement costs.
And that could also increase prices for consumers.
The space under the Christmas tree will not remain empty this year, despite the corona pandemic and delivery bottlenecks.
It is therefore questionable whether the gift was also on the wish list.
Delivery bottlenecks are currently an important issue for Ingo Loebner in what he claims to be the oldest toy shop in Germany in Torgau.
“A large part of the toys are produced in China, at least in part, and there is a problem with the deliveries,” explained the 45-year-old.
Toys have been sold in the shop since 1685.
“But there wasn't such a lull even in the GDR era,” said Loebner, who is the 12th generation to run the business.
As a precaution, he had already filled his warehouse in early summer and placed orders in good time.
However, according to Loebner, there are problems in particular with small children's vehicles, dolls, experimental kits and building blocks.
For example, he ordered 300 pieces of a certain building block article - and only received 18.
He advises his customers to buy toys well in advance of Christmas.
The bicycle industry, which tends to be one of the winners of the pandemic, is also complaining of logistical problems.
“There are enough products.
But if you want your dream model in terms of brand, model, color and certain components, you have to wait a long time, ”said David Eisenberger, Marketing Director of the two-wheeled industry association.
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Especially with e-bikes, there are problems because of the high demand and the slow logistics.
“Certain products could be in short supply by Christmas,” he emphasized.
The situation looks a little better with children's bicycles, because they are usually a little simpler.
He advises customers to order early or to visit bicycle dealers in the surrounding area.
dpa
