We have just received communication from one of our shipping companies which contains both positive and potentially frustrating news which we wanted to get onto our site as soon as possible.
**We are extremely hopeful none of the information below will not have severe impacts on our existing orders but over recent months our customers have asked for updates regardless of the scale of the impact.**
You will be pleased to know that a number of containers from last week and two which arrived yesterday (early, for once!) have now been received into stock, freeing up many old orders for delivery in the next couple of weeks. We have also been able to tidy up the week commencing dates, meaning most stock feeds are now up to date with the most recent information.
Unfortunately, each week seems to bring new negatives to the supply chain, and this week we have had reports of further problems with Felixstowe port. Congestion there has led to restitution issues and delays, to the point where Maersk have pulled out of Felixstowe for the time being and are instead dropping off at (also congested) European ports for onward travel to the UK on smaller feeder vessels, adding precious time to already extended lead times. Luckily the majority of our containers are being pushed into Southampton, so are not directly affected, however issues at Felixstowe may cause knock-on delays if diverted to Southampton. Our forwarders expect that there will be a backlog of incoming containers as we get closer to Christmas, although as always we will continue to monitor this and let you know if anything majorly changes.
Vietnam is continuing to open up and get back on schedule, however, China is still struggling with power rationing to the point where some factories are only allowed to open for 3 days a week. This has begun to cause delays in production in a small set of ranges however we hope this will not affect our lead times too much.
None of the above is as impactful as the blockage on the Suez Canal so there is certainly some light at the end of the tunnel.
Like every other furniture supplier in the country, we are facing unprecedented issues with the supply chain and are working very closely with our international shipping partners to plan contingencies wherever possible. We understand the frustrations these delays are having on our customers and would like to that you all for your understanding of what has, and continues to be the biggest test our industry faces.
As and when updates become available we will do our best to keep you all updated.
If you have any questions about any of our furniture; garden, living room, dining room, hallway, bedroom or office furniture just drop any of our service team a call.