Comments on: The supply chain gremlin that stole Christmas?

By: Trevor Miles

Trevor Miles — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:56:05 +0000

“tazmwl”, you are mostly correct, but Amazon is not faced with shortages, whereas Sony and B&N are faced with shortages. And they are not happy about the shortages.

By: tazmwl

tazmwl — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:34:59 +0000

I think you are right about the potential leading indicator and the advantage multi-channel retailers have in the market. However I believe this years shortage is less a factor of the supply chain and more a result of retailers timid approach to the holiday season. Retailers are now, more than ever, willing to forgo potential sales to avoid having to unload merchandise after the season. I suspect this trend will continue for several more years.

By: Bill DuBois

Bill DuBois — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:26:01 +0000

Trevor, interesting blog, thanks for posting it. There is one other factor that I would be interested to get your take on and that is the ever increasing popularity of the gift card. It is a great model for the retailer but the actual consumption of the end product could be delayed for months. I would see this as another challenge for the XMas time supply chain regardless if they are clicks or bricks. BTW, I have always been and likely always will be a last minute shopper.