We’re less than 70 days away from Christmas but most of us are just trying to get through Halloween let alone thinking about gifts. Unfortunately, if you haven’t already started sourcing your gifts this year, you might be low on options.
Distributors and retailers are facing supply chain issues world-wide. From container shortages to log jammed ports, the on-going economic effects of COVID-19 and the global rise in consumer spend means Christmas might look quite different this year.
Access to ships and containers is so bad in the USA that retail giants like Walmart and Costco are chartering their own ships, with the media dubbing it ‘Containergeddon‘. At the start of October, over 60 ships were waiting to unload at Port L.A. and Singapore, the world’s busiest container transshipment port, with sailing schedule reliability recorded at a 10-year low earlier in the year. This ongoing backlog also means empty containers aren’t finding their way back to global manufacturing ports like Lianyungang, causing the cost of containers to skyrocket with single container prices reaching $20,000 plus.
This perfect storm of global Delta outbreaks, equipment shortages, log jammed ports, extreme weather events and online shopping booms is hitting distributors and retailers hard as the holiday season fast approaches.
It’s not just the retailers feeling the direct hit though. US Post announced at the start of October that it is suspending its mail service to New Zealand or Australia due to “unavailability of transportation”. Closed borders and drop in air travel means less opportunity for air cargo and an unsustainable rise in transport costs.
So as you start preparing for this year’s gift giving season, remember it might be hard to get your hands on popits or the latest eBike. This is the perfect opportunity to turn your attention local and think of innovative ways to support businesses who need our help.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve rounded up a few gift ideas to get you started and help you spread some local, holiday cheer this year.
Local treats
Let’s be honest, with everything 2021 has thrown at us, we all need a treat or a well deserved drink. For those so inclined, our friends over at Whisky Galore offer a hefty selection of top-quality whisky – a great, seasonal gift for those that take their single malt seriously.
For those needing a Christmas perk up, Vivace Espresso have everything a coffee lover could ever need to get them through to 2022 and beyond.
Local gifts
What’s more local than a pair of new Red Bands? Skellerup Red Bands are a true Kiwi icon with sizes for the whole family. They’ve even got Red Band jandals aka Red Bandals for that true Kiwi summer feel.
Trade Aid is another Kiwi legend perfect for the festive season. Founded in Aotearoa in 1973, Trade Aid works with small food and craft producers around the world to bring Kiwi’s beautiful fair trade products, perfect for feel good Christmas gifts.
And who doesn’t love a beautiful bouquet? You could support a local florist or order directly through Interflora, a company owned and operated by member florists, to send a vibrant Christmas bouquet, wreath or festive plant that will last even longer than the holiday season.
Local fun
While the latest shipping restrictions are causing new issues for retailers, the tourism industry in Aotearoa has been doing it tough since March 2020. Christmas this year is a great excuse to book that activity you’ve always wanted to do, create new memories and support local experiences.
100% Pure New Zealand is a great place to get inspiration right across New Zealand or find great deals on Book Me.
Local good
It’s been a tough year or so for many Kiwi’s, so why not make the holidays better for multiple people by making a donation on behalf of your giftee.
Websites like Givealittle showcase hundreds of individual causes to support or buy a voucher from the Gift Registry and let your giftee choose who they’d like to support.
Remember, small businesses make up the majority of New Zealand’s economy. Now more than ever is the time to think, act and support local.
We’re here to help you start, manage and grow your e-commerce business.
