HOLIDAY BLUES AHEAD? The Toy Association is concerned about a looming October 1st Dockworker Strike leading to Empty Shelves and Higher Prices

There is a possibility there may be fewer Masters of the Universe action figures to gift wrap this year.

Yes, toy consumers in the U.S. could face product shortages and higher prices this holiday season due to a dockworker strike.  

Ready to go on strike this Tuesday, October 1st (for the first time since 1977), the union workers of the “International Longshoremen’s Association” (ILA) representing roughly 25,000 dockworkers at the East and Gulf Coast ports in the United States are ready to walk off their jobs over wages and automation. These ports handle approximately 50% of all ocean imports in the U.S. including food, clothing, auto parts, and yes, toys.

The Toy Association is so concerned about this strike, they sent a letter to the White House this week (joining more than 150 organizations) urging the current administration to intervene.

“A supply chain disruption would undoubtedly lead to price increases across the board and would impact consumers’ ability to find the toys they are looking for in the weeks and months ahead."

- Greg Ahearn, President and Chief Executive of The Toy Association.

So will the strike happen? Will people looking for toys (and more importantly food and clothing) this holiday season be met with empty shelves and higher prices? Hopefully not, but stay tuned.

We’ll see you next time.