Toy stores fear shortage of supplies for Christmas

Fears that toys could be in short supply this Christmas have led local suppliers to urge shoppers to get in early if there are particular items on the wish list.

Smyths Toys Ireland were first off the block to issue a warning to customers to buy gifts as soon as they can to avoid being disappointed this festive season due to global shipping issues and container shortages. Brexit and Covid has also served to interrupt supply lines.

A spokesperson for the company spokesperson headquartered in Galway said while it was always a good idea to avoid the rush, it was more urgent for 2021.

“It is particularly important to shop early this year as global shipping and container shortages are causing supply issues in many parts of our lives.”

The Drewry World Container Index, which provides weekly assessments of container freight rates, has surged for the 22nd consecutive week to €8,847 per 40-foot container – a 323 per cent hike on the same week last year.

Beattys Toymaster in Loughrea said they were already well stocked having secured toys earlier than previous years.

But owner Michael Shiel said they were still waiting for some orders to arrive from their supplier.

“We don’t know whether we’ll get all our stocks or not. You’ll always find the independent shop will have stocks in earlier. The likes of Smyths sell so much they can’t fit it all in their stockrooms but we’d be fairly confident we’ll get in the most of it,” he explained.

Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie