Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Retail Council of Canada Global Appliance Shortage Overview:
- Who: The Retail Council of Canada warns that consumers already experiencing major delays in appliance delivery could see the situation worsening.
- Why: The pandemic has slowed manufacturing and trading worldwide and shows no signs of stopping, says the retail advocacy group.
- Where: The issues persist worldwide.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to hinder the global supply-chain, the Retail Council of Canada says that many Canadian consumers have been faced with months long wait times for new appliances, some reaching 12 months and counting.
Pandemic-related appliance shortages first cropped up last October, reports the CBC. A year later, the issues persist with retailers even reporting that the situation has gotten worse as they and consumers also face product delays and rising prices, according to the Retail Council of Canada.
Appliance Parts, Products, Shipping All Affected by COVID-19 Outbreaks, Says Retail Council of Canada
The pandemic has hit the global supply-chain at several points: manufacturing, shipping routes, ports, and warehouse facilities. Each area has faced issues from keeping with COVID-related public health measures, laying off employees, and halting orders on materials, says the Retail Council of Canada.
“First, for a whole range of products, parts are often sourced overseas. As COVID outbreaks happen, different countries adapt different policies and this can severely impact the global supply chain,” Michelle Wasylyshen, spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada said in an emailed statement to CBC News reporters.
“We’ve seen this in China and Vietnam, where ports were shut down for weeks as COVID outbreaks were dealt with. Other challenges include increased freight and shipping costs, as well as unusual consumer demand patterns and pent-up demand for certain products around the world.”
On the other hand, demand for appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, has increased as many people remain in their homes.
Business experts and retailers are hopeful that the worldwide issues will improve in 2022.
Have you faced issues in obtaining a new appliance since last year? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
- Movie Pirates Face Revived Reverse Class Action Lawsuit After Federal Court Ruling
- Philips Canada Faces New Class Action After Breathing Devices Recalled for Toxic Foam
- GM Halts Chevy Bolt Production, Repairs Without Defect-Free Batteries
- Recall Check: Generac Portable Generators Recalled After Causing Seven Finger Amputations