Big Picture

Supply chain SHORTAGE

will mean a tight Christmas for many

UK

There will be no last-minute Christmas shopping in 2021, as supply chains struggle to meet consumer demand.

Supermarkets and shops have warned customers that many items will be in limited stock this year, from iPhones and kids toys to wine, poultry and turkey - even Christmas trees.

A recent study from IBM showed that 27% of consumers started their Christmas shopping in September, some even before. 87% of consumers said they would ‘shop for the holidays’ in 2021, an increase from 81% last year - yet shopping budgets are 13% lower than in 2019.