Supply Chain Problems Put ‘Fear Factor’ on Halloween Shopping

LITTLETON, Colo .– A Halloween staple in Littleton has largely averted a crisis, while the “fear factor” remains for others in the industry.

“If they don’t get their business it could really slow the economy down because they won’t have a product,” said Greg Reinke, co-owner and founder of Reinke Brothers, a Halloween and costume mega-store. in Littleton.

Reinke said that while his store has faced less impact from the economy’s supply chain issues, some of his counterparts are struggling.

“I’ve been to several costume stores, a few of the competitors, and they don’t have what they normally do,” he said. “When I order in January, I get it immediately. I don’t wait until August or September. I get in January or February, so I was early because of that.”

ABC News cited COVID-19 as the cause of the disruption at factories and shipping ports, which in turn led to increased shipping costs and delayed shipments.

“Before COVID, a container cost $ 1,300 to ship. Now it’s $ 13,000 per container,” Reinke said.

Reinke added that the most troubling part of the circumstances is that additional costs will be imposed on the consumer to ease the pressure.

“You’re going to see the prices of all kinds of things skyrocket,” he said.