We’ve all been there. You try to re-order your favorite beverage, sneaker, exercise bike, or cleaning product, and it’s out of stock.
The dynamics behind these supply chain issues differ depending on the situation. Some manufacturers are still playing catch-up with consumer demand in areas such as home improvement and fitness. Others are challenged by warehousing or trucking logistics.
Sometimes this results in counterintuitive outcomes. In the spring we shopped for garage doors as part of a home renovation. In March 2020 lumber prices dropped with the downturn, but then skyrocketed – almost to the price of gold. We opted for steel doors. Apparently so did others. Lumber costs have retreated, steel is up sharply and we’re still waiting for our doors...
Next week we look at the impact of staffing shortages.
