If you’re the type of person to usually waits until the last minute to purchase holiday gifts, it’s time to rethink that strategy this year. We’re going to discuss the key reasons to start your holiday shopping right now.
Inventory & Supply Chain Problems
This year, your holiday shopping will look different. You’ll see a rise in the cost of goods, problems with supply chains, staffing shortages, and difficulty filling the shelves with merchandise. Retailers will face challenging months ahead.
The rising costs are due to labor shortages and an increase in shipping and manufacturing costs. Expect to spend more money this year on holiday gifts than years prior.
Items On Backorder
Electronic items are typically a high-demand category during the holiday season. The shortage of semiconductors, also known as computer chips, makes it virtually impossible to get your hands on any electronic products. These products include vehicles, computers, gaming consoles, and even home appliances. If you need an item, purchase it early, so it has time to get to you.
Expect Sales To Happen Sooner
Experts predict that sales will happen sooner this year, and there will be fewer—even on shopping events like Black Friday. You can blame this on a combination of low inventory and high demand. Retailers want to move their inventory quickly because it’s harder to sell as the holiday gets closer.
As consumers, we should pay close attention to multiple store sales and be flexible. Not taking advantage of the sales and waiting will mean paying higher prices.
We’ll probably also see fewer free shipping and expedited options.
Allow Time To Budget
This holiday season could quickly become a budgeting nightmare if you don’t start your holiday shopping right now. You’ll minimize the financial impact on your wallet by beginning months in advance. Time is your best ally. The more time you allow yourself, the less stress and hassle you’ll feel as the holidays quickly approach.
This year, the holiday shopping season will be tough for many people. These factors illustrate why it’s essential to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping and take advantage of deals online right away to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
