I went today to my local ski shop to buy a new pair of snowshoes and a new cross-country ski rig (thus guaranteeing a snow-free winter here!
) and the salesman at the store apologized and said the store is usually completely stuffed with inventory right now, but they can't get anything from their suppliers. The store had maybe 20 pairs of cross-country skis in stock, and less snowshoes. He said they expect their pre-season shipment of skis and boots, and they've been told not to count on getting any more this year. I bought the only pair of snowshoes that fit my criteria and were my size on the spot, and reserved a pair of skis and bindings, along with putting the boots and poles on hold until the rest of the gear comes in. Not even other items in the store, like jackets, helmets, gloves, etc., just a lot of empty space and a few racks of stuff.
Next I went to a local "wholesale" food store, they had good stock of meat and vegetables. Meat prices are pretty high, like $3.49/lb for 80% ground beef. Veggies seem about normal, maybe a touch higher. Dry goods and staples are in stock and almost reasonably priced, for now. A 25 lb. bag of long-grain white rice was $16.75. A 25 lb bag of plain table salt was $7.49. 5 lbs of powdered milk was $19.98.
Been to several other big chain stores, food seems in stock if expensive, but general merchandise, clothing, and some other items seem thin on the shelves if they're there at all, and some items I've been tracking for 6 months now have not been restocked in the whole period. This includes dress shirts, work pants, some hardware items, and certain power tools and accessories.
Just thought I'd share what I'm seeing locally, it feels like parts of the supply chain are empty and may remain so, and other things continue for now as normal.
