Retailers Ramp Up Imports to Prepare for 2015 Holiday Season
Monday, August 10, 2015 at 9:36AM The volume of import cargo for major US retailers is expected to increase 3.6% in August 2015 from August 2014, as retailers prepare to stock for the holiday season. Imports for the year, according to the National Retail Federation, is expected to be up 4.2% from 2014.
Some retailers are paying less to transport their merchandise due to larger capacity ships. Import levels in May were normal, showing a recovery from the port issues in 2014 and the beginning of this year.
“Consumers might be out buying back-to-school supplies but toys and sweaters are starting to show up on the docks,” NRF VP for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold said. “There are still some lingering congestion issues, but retailers are working with their supply chain partners to make sure all of that merchandise flows smoothly to store shelves.”
Source: Chain Store Age