Continued supply chain issues caused by COVID and labour shortages means that the products and brands shoppers might be looking for this holiday season might not be available.

The Retail Council of Canada suggests it might be wise to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Director of Government Relations Atlantic with the Retail Council of Canada, Jim Cormier says according to a recent survey, shoppers are feeling more optimistic this year over last. That means many shoppers are planning to spend more money, and pay more visits to ‘bricks and mortar’ retail business.

He says many retailers are taking the chance to address possibly supply chain problems by ordering well ahead. But, to ensure consumers get the product they want, get out early so that if the item they’re looking for isn’t the, it allows a retailer to get them the product they need, or something similar.