IKEA Charters Ships To Address Supply Issues

IKEA has told a US broadcaster that it has chartered shipping vessels and has purchased shipping containers to help improve global product availability.

A spokesperson for the home furnishing retailer told told NBC News: “Like many retailers, we are experiencing ongoing challenges with our supply chains due to Covid-19 and labour shortages, with transport, raw materials and sourcing all impacted. 

“In addition, we are seeing higher customer demand as more people are spending more time at home.

"Going forward, we’re constantly looking for more opportunities to secure product availability for our customers and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

IKEA has confirmed to the BBC that around 1,000 product lines, including mattresses, are affected by shortages in its 22 UK and Ireland stores; this represents around 10% of its stock.

The following statement appears on the IKEA UK website:

We're experiencing supply issues

Vi ber om ursäkt (that’s Swedish for we’re sorry!)

Like many retailers, we’re experiencing some challenges with our supply and are therefore experiencing some availability issues.

Supply chains worldwide continue to face huge challenges due to the pandemic and other societal factors impacting:

• The transport industry.
• Raw materials.
• Sourcing and production.

We’re working hard to get products back onto our shelves.

Going forward, we continue to commit to putting your experience at the heart of our decisions.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The move replicates the activities of The Home Depot and Walmart in the US, who have also had to take matters into their own hands following the Suez Canal blockage earlier this year, and to counter the increasing congestion at ports which is particularly problematic in the US at present.

Source : Insight DIY 

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