Valley Halloween stores hit with shipping delays, higher prices
Mahoning Valley - It's already that time of year when we start planning what we're going to wear for Halloween next month.
But local stores tell 21 News with the current state of inflation and rising costs of shipping, you might be spending a bit more on your and your family's Halloween style.
"The cost of goods as well of the cost of raw materials is much higher so, it has affected the overall price," said Jeff Lyda, Co-Owner of Party On! in Niles. "Higher costs of the shipping containers continue through spring so that affected a lot of the incoming freight that we received throughout the summer."
From continuous supply chain concerns to soaring freight prices, Lyda said it'll cost consumers a bit more this year. Stores are also getting in supply later in the season from newer companies, which affects business.
"It's definitely a labor issue because of the shutdown China had," Lyda explained. "We have another company that, they haven't delivered anything yet," Lyda said. "We're crossing our fingers and we hope to start seeing this stuff in the next week or so."
Lyda said newer manufacturers that carry Marvel and Star Wars are late with arrivals. "They're very late at arriving. We've only received about 40% of their arrivals." If the store does not receive the items by October 15, they return them, knowing they won't make much of a profit.
Lyda said they're taking extra precautions to make sure they're fully stocked.
"We don't ever deplete our inventory down to the bare walls because we constantly replenish as well throughout the year," Lyda said. "So, I think that's kept us in a better position."
The National Retail Federation expects each person to spend just over $100 this year on Halloween with total expected spending on costumes at a record-breaking $3.6 billion. Lyda said they're doing just fine leading up to October 31st.
"I've noticed as we've gotten to the last week of September, we've made up ground that we lost in the beginning of September and we're almost even with last year. So, that's not bad," Lyda concluded.
Lyda added he tries to keep costs for consumers down, even if the company has to absorb some of the profit. The store has a 50% off section for last-year costumes as well.
Candy companies including Hershey are also warning consumers that chocolate may be in short supply come Halloween. Their best advice is to stock up now.
