International shipping and domestic courier delays are contributing to challenges leading up to the traditionally busy Christmas shopping season. But many Illawarra retailers saw the writing on the wall and ordered stock early.
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Businesses such as Casey's Toys, Alexander Michael's Menswear and Wollongong Bike Hub are encouraging people to do their Christmas shopping now to secure the most popular items before they sell out. And allow plenty of transit time if sending presents interstate.
Finder research shows Australians plan to spend the same or more this Christmas and the Australian Retailers Association predicts the pre-Christmas splurge will exceed pre-pandemic levels.
Casey's Toys acting manager Julieanne Mears said it can be hard to predict what the most popular toys will be but the early frontrunners are RainBoCoRns, Paw Patrol, Lego and Bakugan. She said Casey's ordered enough stock early this year to fill the toy shop and two store rooms well before Christmas. But every year there is a rush on one particular toy that becomes the must have present. The challenge is knowing which toy.
"They sell out suddenly and then it is too late to order more or the supplier runs out. We say to people if they see something they really want, just grab it. You can always bring it back for a refund if you change your mind."
Ms Mears said many parents jumped in before lockdown ended to order ahead and use click & collect. Christmas shopping in store started immediately when the doors reopened.
"The weekends are just crazy," she said.
Alex Filceski, at Alexander Michael's Menswear, said while many suits are sitting on ships his biggest challenge is transport delays in getting stock from suppliers in Melbourne. Suit orders from Auckland are arriving in half the time. He managed to retain adequate stock by ordering early but said large bridal parties who require up to six suits can be a challenge.
Wollongong Bike Hub's Gerard Hilford said the industry has experienced massive shipping and manufacturing delays and it was only by ordering at least six months ahead that the business managed to keep a steady supply of stock. Some customers have ordered up to a year ahead for this Christmas but if people are flexible the business can cater for most Christmas present needs in store.
"We do currently do have quite a lot of stuck but it is not always in the right colour or size. We have been getting in early the last two years. I was ordering for next year this morning." Mr Hilford said.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
