LCBO Tells Customers to ‘Buy Early’ for Holidays Amid Supply Chain Issues | The Canadian News

The Ontario Liquor Control Board (LCBO) is telling customers to “buy early” and “be flexible” during the holidays this year amid problems with the supply chain.

In a statement sent to Global News, Nick Nanos, LCBO’s director of supply chain, said stores will continue to have a “great selection” of international products and local beers, wines and spirits.

But Nanos advised customers that they should try to buy what they would like ahead of time and that if their preferred item is not in stock, try something new.

“Our knowledgeable employees are available in the store to help make alternative decisions and we offer a reminder of our convenient online shopping options,” said Nanos.

“The continued patience of our customers is appreciated in case they notice the occasional unavailability of the product.”

The LCBO previously warned of supply chain issues earlier this fall, including regarding shipping containers, which have accounted for about a third of LCBO’s stock shortage.

“As we move into the busiest time of the year, naturally there will be some products that are in higher demand than others and with all the global supply chain problems happening around the world, it’s not really surprising that some products may come in and out of stock, ”said Andrew Von Teichman, president of Drinks Ontario, a provincial trade association.

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“You may see products that you normally would like to have not necessarily at the right time and that may be that day in that store where it just isn’t on the shelf, but it could also be linked to supply chain issues.

“So I would say the big message for Ontario consumers is to be patient and open-minded, and look for other products in a similar category that may be new to you, but exciting to try.”

Teichman said champagne and sparkling products in particular can be in short supply during the holidays.

He added that this could be a good opportunity to try products from local suppliers, as they may have less difficulty getting to the shelves.