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Supply Chain Disruptions: Holiday Shoppers Already Experiencing Product Shortages and Delays

Rising shipping costs impacting consumers’ holiday shopping decisions

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and many Americans (40 percent) have already started checking gifts off their lists. But according to recent data by Shopkick, a leading shopping rewards app, rising COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant are proving to have an impact on consumers’ holiday shopping behavior. Nearly a third (30 percent) of shoppers are already experiencing limited product availability in-store and online, as well as higher shipping costs (58 percent), forcing the majority of consumers (68 percent) to reconsider how they will shop this holiday season.  

Shopkick surveyed over 37,000 American consumers between September 22 – 26, 2021 to gain insight on the impact that COVID-19 and the Delta variant will have on consumers this holiday season and when, where, and how they will be making their holiday purchases. 

Key insights include:

  • The Early Birds: Although the fall season just kicked off, many consumers (40 percent) have already started their holiday shopping, and a third (33 percent) are shopping earlier this year. Of those reporting they are shopping earlier, the majority (58 percent) are doing so because of concerns around product inventory, to stay organized ahead of the holidays (58 percent), and to avoid holiday crowds (53 percent).
  • COVID-19 Fallout: Surprisingly, 30 percent of those early birds are already experiencing holiday product availability issues and 23 percent are experiencing shipping delays. On top of supply chain disruption, the majority of consumers (51 percent) are adjusting their budgets due to the threat of continued inflation. 
  • The Motivations for Online: Whether shopping online or in-store, consumers’ main motivation this holiday season is scoring the best prices and deals. Online shoppers are also motivated by the convenience of shipping and ease of returns (59 percent), saving time and avoiding checkout lines (52 percent), and product availability (50 percent). It is no surprise that expected delays and high shipping costs could force 80 percent of online shoppers to reconsider how and where they buy their holiday goodies this year.
  • The Motivations for In-Store: Product availability is a top motivator for consumers shopping in-store for the holidays (44 percent), followed by immediate satisfaction of taking products home the same day (43 percent), ease of in-store price comparison (34 percent), getting inspiration from browsing aisles (33 percent), product assortment (24 percent), and in-person help from store associates (12 percent). 
  • Seasonal Safety: Rising COVID-19 cases have resulted in 40 percent of consumers planning to make fewer in-store shopping trips, a nearly 10 percent increase compared to July 2021. To ensure safety, shoppers are expecting retailers to make employees wear protective face coverings (56 percent), offer disinfectants (52 percent), require shoppers to wear face coverings (51 percent), enforce social distancing measures (48 percent) and install plexiglass barriers at check out (42 percent). 

“In many ways, supply chain shortages and shipping delays are putting in-store retailers at an advantage this holiday season,” said Dave Fisch, general manager of Shopkick. “Shoppers are headed in-store no matter what this holiday season, which means it is essential that retailers are prepared, offer a pleasant in-store experience with trained and available staff, and mandate COVID-19 safety precautions to ease shoppers discomfort and meet their expectations.” 

Halloween Party Ideas for Adults: 5 Spooky Ways to Celebrate

Halloween isn’t just for kids — we adults want tricks and treats too. If you’re looking for Halloween party ideas for adults, this list is for you. Whether you’re planning a spooky dinner or crafting eerie DIY decor, these ideas will make your night unforgettable.

1. Spike the Punch… with a Frozen Hand

Add a chilling twist to your party punch. Simply fill a clean rubber glove with water, tie it off, and freeze it solid. Once it’s ready, peel off the glove and drop the icy hand into your bowl. Not only does this idea add drama, but it also keeps your drink cold — and your guests talking.

2. Spider-Infested Soap

Want to get creative in unexpected places? For a fun surprise, place small plastic spiders inside a clear soap dispenser. When guests go to wash their hands, they’ll get a spooky shock. In fact, this might be the easiest scare of the night.

3. Scary-Good Dinner Ideas

Looking to add something eerie to your meal? Just add black food coloring to boiling water before cooking pasta or rice. You’ll end up with vampire linguine or monster mac — creepy, delicious, and totally Instagram-worthy. Even better, it takes almost no extra effort.

4. Vampire Teeth in a Glass

If you’re hosting overnight guests, try this subtle scare. Drop a set of plastic vampire fangs into a glass of water and leave it on the bathroom counter or nightstand. As a result, you’ll create just the right amount of creepy. Bonus points if the lighting is low and moody.

5. Googly-Eyed Ghost Wreath

Kick off your party the moment guests arrive. To make this DIY, hot glue white ping pong balls onto a foam wreath form, then add googly eyes of all sizes. After that, hang it on your front door for a playful, spooky welcome.

Make This Halloween One to Scream About

From creepy drinks to clever decorations, these Halloween party ideas for adults will leave your guests howling with laughter (and maybe just a little fright). Before you shop, check the Shopkick app to see if you can earn kicks on party supplies — a little treat before the tricks begin.

Happy haunting!