US Port Dispute Slows Harlequins & More
There is already talk that many Harlequin products (and thousands more) are being affected by the labor contract dispute at US West Coast Ports.
Here’s the quick rundown of the port labor dispute:
Retailers’ anxiety levels are rising as gridlock grinds on with contract negotiations between West Coast dockworkers and port terminal operators.
It has been a long nine months for those dealing directly, or indirectly, with the lack of a West Coast port contract, and after a temporary shutdown over the weekend, retail lobby groups and consultants are assigning potential costs to the issue.
According to a Kurt Salmon analysis, congestion at West Coast ports could cost retailers as much as $7 billion this year. That congestion cost comes from a combination of the higher price of carrying goods and missed sales due to below optimal inventory levels.
This is affecting every industry that imports goods into the United States across the Pacific. Now remember again where all those GW codices are printed… China. Many other manufactureres are getting caught up in this, so delays hitting all the major game companies who import from China should be expected as well.
Regarding GW specifically we have this reported over on the BoLS Lounge:
I just pre-ordered my Harlequin items and noticed the release date was March 7th for the US, but Feb 21st for UK!
My GW store informed me (and I then confirmed) that US West Coast port labor dispute and strike is delaying our shipments.I just wanted to let the community know. Though we may get them sooner, don’t expect your Harlequin items to arrive on time.
~ This is a national level event, so expect delays to take some time to get worked out. Already some agile businesses are altering thier logistics chains to bring in US products vis other ports not affected by the dispute.
