Written by From Maine to Texas, 45,000 U.S. dockworkers went on strike at 36 east coast ports yesterday for the first time since 1977. The dockworkers standoff is over better pay and the threat of automation taking their jobs.
This East Coast port strike is leaving imports like cars, furniture, alcohol and yes toys from being released into the country. The Toy Association was so concerned about this strike, they sent a letter to the White House urging the current administration to intervene.
Fortunately however, Market Watch is reporting that the toy companies Mattel (and Hasbro) were prepared, and not only organized earlier shipments of goods, but shifted a substantial amount of imports from the East Coast to West Coast ports.
What this forward thinking and preparation seems to mean is the availability of toys like “Masters of the Universe” action figures should not see an interruption this holiday season and beyond. It could impact prices down the road however as analysts believe there will be a 5% increase in distribution-related expenses.
So ultimately it seems the coast will be clear (pun intended) for toy collectors during the strike.
We’ll see you next time.
Thank goodness. My first toy purchase as an adult will be right on time.
Excellent news and excellent post. Keep the industry news coming.
Oh no, not the alcohol. What will the dbags drink now? How sad.
@banthafett I drink and smoke and I’m no dbag man. I’m a mellow dream of a man.
More price increases…. What else is new.
I could believe
it but it would be remarkably shortsighted if they do, both companies are sitting on warehouses of excess stock as is.
@sketchyskeletor my homeowners just went up $900 a year. I mean I make good money but it’s literally shrinking since every single thing has gone up.
ours just renewed last month and almost went up a grand, then the last two weeks everyone found out that the city redid everyones home value for property taxes (with out doing surveys of properties) and everyone’s value has went up 40-50%. Ours was 49%. Then these assholes want us to vote in November and approve all their shit, because they cant budget shit.