Labor Dispute Slows Shipments
In the business world, there’s always a challenge lurking around the corner that could affect sales at any given time. This fall it appears that a labor dispute between labor and management of East Coast and Gulf Coast ports over an expiring contract could precipitate a strike. This might delay delivery of cargo, forcing merchants to either divert shipments to other locations or find other ways to receive their merchandise.
Timing is crucial for merchants to lay in their stock prior to major holidays. After all, you can’t sell what you haven’t received. Delays could mean that holiday goods might not be in the stores until after the holidays have come and gone.
Mediators are at the bargaining table this week with representatives from the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, hoping to reach a deal that will sidestep a disruption to the supply chain when the contract expires on September 30.
Meanwhile, some retailers have already started looking for alternative ways to get their merchandise. Since the upcoming holidays are the busiest time of the year for most retailers, to delay and hope that all will turn out right is too much of a risk. The time to act is now.
A good purchasing system like that available in CounterPoint will help you make sure that the merchandise that you need is there when you need it. For more information, call us at 425-672-4806 or email us.
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