Worsening supply chain shortages threatens retailers on Small Business Saturday

ATLANTA — Holiday shoppers, beware. ‘Tis the season of giving, if you can get what you are looking for.

The holiday shopping season has officially kicked off, but it’s already being threatened by ongoing supply chain issues, especially small businesses which are taking a hit as we move past “Black Friday” to “Small Business Saturday”.

Channel 2′s Elizabeth Rawlins found some shoppers in Marietta who are already striking out.

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Ongoing global supply chain issues are now threatening the most important time of the year for smaller retailers, the Christmas holiday season. Many are trying to bounce back after last year’s financial setback during the pandemic. That is, if they survived.

“This year is probably going to be one of our best years, and we have been in the business for eight years,” said small business owner Marion Savick.

For many small businesses still holding on, getting customers in the door is no longer a problem. For some, however, getting their product on the shelves is a different story.

“We are ordering everything we can,” said Sales Associate Taryn Carthers. “We are having to go to more stores, like the merchandise mart.”

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Retailers are adjusting and getting strategic about their holiday inventory, and shoppers may need a new game plan when it comes to buying gifts.

“I started a couple of months ago,” said shopper Penney Williams. “I would just buy it so I wouldn’t be short-footed when the holidays came around.”

“We are getting through it day by day,” said Carthers. “It’s pretty awesome seeing everyone come in for Christmas.”

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But for some, the supply chain issue is barely noticeable after last year’s retail shutdown. They are just glad to be back in a store, any store.

“I think locally, the square is just a great place to shop, and everyone here has done well,” said Savick.

Black Friday heating up at Lenox Square Shoppers packed out Lenox Square mall to get the best Black Friday deals.

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