EUGENE, Ore. — The pressure is on for small businesses as the supply chain crisis continues to wreak havoc across the globe.
With Christmas fast approaching, it’s just another challenge in the fight to stay afloat.
KEZI spoke with several business owners who said they started preparing for it well in advance.
Andrew Agerter is the director of Eugene Toys and hobbiesa shop that has just celebrated its 88th anniversary.
“We have a lot of companies in the Pacific Northwest that ship things to us in about a week to two, but other things can take up to a few months to see anything,” Agerter said.
Agerter said his store usually stock up around the end of August – but this time around they do from late April and into May.
“So many things are sold out – Hot Wheels, Mattel, Lego – we’re not getting the deliveries we made earlier in the first half,” Agerter said. They say they’re going to release stuff, but we’ll see.
Brian Aljian, owner of Bricks and Minifigs, in Eugene accepted. He also saw the impact first hand.
“Half of our business is new Lego sets, and Lego is struggling to keep up with demand,” Aljian said.
His strategy is to buy as much as he can – as soon as possible.
“Last year, I started buying for Christmas in October,” Aljian said. “This year, I started buying in September. We try to forecast what the demand will be, so that we can have enough games for everyone who wants one.
Jeff Benhke is a frequent buyer at Eugene Toy and Hobby. He has been a professional model maker for about 40 years.
“It’s getting thinner and thinner because of all the supply chains and everything,” Benhke said. “It’s getting harder and harder and the prices are really going up.”
Aljian described how UPS and USPS are overloaded — as well as Lego shipping overseas. He believes supply chain issues will continue to worsen this year.
“If you see something, buy it now,” Aljian said. “It may not be available later.”
Experts say supply chain issues affecting the United States are expected to continue through 2022.
“Get there as soon as you can,” Agerter said. “The shelves are emptying quickly, and it’s not just here locally. You see it everywhere you go. Things are moving fast. »
Agerter said he was grateful that people wanted to support the locals and stressed that it was essential to stay positive.
“We remain stable,” Agerter said. “We will be there next year.”