The out-of-stock rate in the United States increased by 172% year-on-year! Clothing categories are the most out-of-stock

Because of the upcoming traditional holidays, more shoppers will flock to stores and websites to buy gifts for their families , which may exacerbate the global supply chain disaster that has already begun.

Shoppers are likely to find out-of-stock information on retail websites and be warned they face long shipping delays, experts warn , with customers more likely to blame delivery companies than retailers for serious delays, a survey has found .

According to new data from Adobe Analytics, out-of-stock messages on the internet are expected to increase 172% this holiday season compared to 2020 and 360% over a two-year period. Adobe said the apparel category is expected to have the highest out-of-stock levels, followed by sporting goods, baby products and electronics.

A survey by consulting firm Deloitte found that about a third of consumers blame delivery companies such as UPS or FedEx for shipping delays and other supply chain issues. Twenty-seven percent blamed external factors such as weather , while only 21% said they blamed retailers.

Because the epidemic has resurfaced in many parts of the world this year, floods have occurred in some local areas, coupled with a shortage of port containers and a serious shortage of truck drivers and warehouse workers, all of which have led to a serious shortage of goods on shopping mall shelves, which will also affect the development of the U.S. economy .

The vice chairman of Deloitte's U.S. retail and distribution business said : Supply chain problems are not just about couriers. Many countries of origin have shut down their production and manufacturing capabilities , which will trigger a series of chain reactions . These problems will take time to resolve.

Deloitte found in its survey that 39 % said they planned to shop early to give their orders enough time to be delivered and avoid finding items out of stock, and that consumers were most worried about not being able to buy electronics, toys and home furnishings on their holiday wish lists.

Despite supply difficulties, consumer demand is expected to remain strong in the new year, with online sales surging even as more people return to malls.

Adobe expects U.S. digital sales to reach at least $207 billion from November 1 to December 31, which would be a 10% increase from 2020. According to Adobe, in some cases, digital sales could increase by 15% year-on-year , but we must always pay attention to the epidemic situation .

Clothing is the most out-of-stock category in the U.S. during the holiday season, followed by sporting goods, baby products and electronics.