We will all be able, in the history books to trace each stage of the pandemic and identify the essential items that were scarce. We struggled at first to keep our homes stocked up with bread flour, personal protective gear, and toilet paper. As time went on, dumbbells and bikes, graphic cards, and children's play couches became more expensive or impossible to find.
We are now entering our second pandemic holiday season. Stock shortages and delays have unfortunately persisted up and downstream in the supply chain. Toyota had to reduce its production due to a shortage in computer chips. Construction companies are unable to get labor or raw materials. There are no shipping containers. I ordered a nightstand for my daughter's bedroom in May. It won't arrive until December.
We all grew up knowing that everything we needed was at our doorsteps thanks to companies like Amazon's generous shipping policies. This is no longer the case. WIRED will soon be publishing our annual gift guides. As a personal favor, I encourage you to start your holiday shopping as soon as possible.
Which Industries Are the Worst?
Supply chain problems have affected nearly every industry. These will have the greatest impact on holiday shopping.
During the pandemic, computer chips were in short supply. We reported this year that almost all your devices are made of microprocessors, which require special factories to produce them. These microprocessor companies (disclosure: My spouse works for one of them) are unable to turn on a dime. Their workflows can take months or even years to pivot and increase production.
Nearly all major companies have assured us that their supply chain problems will be under control by the holiday season. But, this is debunked by the fact key products are already under pressure. The Apple Watch is a key product that almost always launches with the new iPhone. However, this year, it will be released later in the fall because of production delays. The Google Pixel 5A can only be purchased in Japan and the US in one size and color. Black Friday deals are not the best time to get your heart set on a particular gadget.
We are also motivated to read books by the Covid-19 pandemic. Paper books are also difficult to find for those who haven't yet switched to the Kindle. Due to the widespread spread of the Delta variant of paper, paper manufacturers have had to scale back their operations. A nationwide paper shortage has also delayed the production of all paper products, from envelopes to shopping bags to paper shopping bags. You shouldn't wait to send Christmas cards and gift Becky Chambers.
Shipping container shortages have particularly affected overseas manufacturing industries, which has meant that popular plastic toys such as L.O.L. are not being shipped. Ports overseas are jammed with surprise dolls. Although the White House has appointed a port envoy in an effort to remove logistical obstacles in international shipping, it is unlikely that this will be much of a difference before the holidays.
These are our top holiday shopping tips
We are professional shoppers on the Gear team. I have some tips that may be of use to you as we prepare our holiday coverage.
Get started early. Start by reading this article and making a list. Black Friday is a great day, but this is not the time to wait for big discounts if your heart is set on gifting Dyson vacuums or new iPhones. It may not arrive in time for the holiday or be out of stock.
