This Gifting Day will be “a little muted” compared to other years amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain issues, according to a retail expert.
Bruce Winder, a retail expert and author of Retail Before, During and After COVID-19, told CTV News Channel on Saturday that things will generally “calm down” on Gift Day this year.
Moreover, he said many people tend to choose to shop online this year, instead of going to stores.
“Omicron is spreading like wildfire in the population, [and] a lot of people will say ‘No thanks, I won’t be in line’ or ‘I’m unwell,’ he said.
“You’ll see more online shopping than ever for Gift Day or Gift Week.”
When it comes to supply chain issues, Winder said for small and mid-sized retailers, “there has been a sizable delay.”
“It is difficult to find specific items,” he said. “It all depends on who you are – If you’re a big retailer like Amazon or Canadian Tire, you’ve probably solved a lot of problems in this supply chain, but if you’re a small retailer mid-sized, you’ve really got the lap of a giant supply chain that has really grown like a snail. ”
Despite the pandemic and supply chain issues, Winder said there will still be “widespread” Gift Day deals, possibly even more than usual.
“I mean, one could argue there could be a few more deals this year, because some of the inventory arrived a little later this year,” he explained. “And if it comes late because of supply chain issues, then some retailers will find a way to actively flag it for removal so they don’t have to continue until [the] Next holiday.”
Winder said Gifting Holiday shoppers should look around to make sure they’re getting the best deals.
“Do double check, because there are some retailers that have played a bit of a margin game,” he said. “
Winder said some retailers may be trying to raise their prices because they know consumers are making “more attractive purchases”.
“Just make sure you do your homework to see that whatever you get is actually a really good deal,” he says.
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