Supply chain problems continue to plague businesses across Canada, and in Saskatoon, a garden center is still unsure whether some of its Christmas stock is at the bottom of the ocean.
Dutch growers often order their Christmas decorations months in advance. This year was no different, but global supply chain problems mean unpredictable wait times.
The garden center said they were thinking the worst when they were told that some of their Christmas stock had been lost.
Its supply was among those of the MV Zim Kingston freighter. Last month it lost 40 containers that fell overboard off the coast of British Columbia, followed by a fire on board.
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Most of Dutch Grower’s inventory is now accounted for, they said, but they are in limbo as to whether or when the rest will arrive.
“What’s behind all of our heads is ‘will we ever get this product?'” Said owner Nikki Van Duyvendyk.
Dutch Growers have been established in Saskatoon since the 1950s. They said they are in relatively good shape but are attracted to other newer companies trying to run right now.
They said that many companies across the country are in the same boat, waiting for shipments and hoping they will arrive soon.
Globally, supply chains face a shortage of equipment and understaffing. For example, there are more than 18,000 vacant truck driving positions in Canada in the last quarter of 2021, according to the Saskatchewan Trucking Association.
That means that even if the shipments arrive in Canada, they are still stuck waiting for delivery.
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“Everything we buy today comes to Saskatchewan on a truck, and we are a landlocked province, this is how we get our products to market and how our products get here,” said CEO Susan Ewart.
“If we don’t have drivers to get around, then of course we have a shortage.”
The association said the industry has been struggling to fill positions for years, and the pandemic only made the problem worse.
The average age of a trucker is 55, Ewart said, and many of that age are retiring. Meanwhile, the trucking industry is trying to find ways to attract younger workers.
Dutch growers said supply chain problems are making things more expensive.
“Let’s say a shipment where it would normally have cost us $ 5,000 to bring this container could now cost us $ 16,000,” Van Duyvendyk explained.
He said that many retailers are kidding and accepting that running their business will cost more this year.
She said we could see prices go up the closer we get to December, but retailers need to be smart about margins, too.
“At a certain point, for a decoration, it can only be sold for a limited price, right?” she said.
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The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce said businesses are turning to local vendors to help fill their shelves.
“Many are doing all they can to secure in-house supply of the goods they are seeking to ensure that they can meet that demand in December,” said CEO Jason Aebig.
Dutch Growers have started to purchase more locally made products, such as chocolates, to help other companies and have more to offer.
Van Duyvendyk said that if customers see something in the store, the best option is to take it at that time, since once something is gone, it is unlikely to be restocked in time for the holidays.
Reference-globalnews.ca