As port operations continue to suffer a slowdown in anticipation of a major seaport workers strike we’re looking at the impact on Spring 2015 retail deliveries. Despite letters from industry groups encouraging a solution it appears that a full strike is imminent, and already weekend shutdowns have begun. Retailers have few choices: expensive air freight, diverting shipments to Canadian or Mexican gateway points or shipping via the Panama canal to East Coast ports. All add expense, logistic complexities and increased time-to-market. We’ll be looking at how this develops and its impact on pricing, merchandising and promotional activity in stores throughout the spring.
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