Season of shortages: Businesses across the city try to keep products on shelves during holiday season

Vendors say they’re still pushing forward and working around those challenges and ordering more supplies so they can get as many products to the market as possible.

News 12 Staff

Dec 21, 2021, 12:32 AM

Updated 1,077 days ago

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The supply chain crisis has taken a toll on small businesses across the city, including several at a holiday market in Brooklyn, which are trying to keep products on shelves for customers to buy this holiday season. 
Holiday markets around this time of year are busy with local vendors, selling everything from clothing to accessories and food products. 
Kevin Heath, the owner of Uncle Yankey’s Pepper Sauce, says the price of his ingredients has more than doubled. 
"I used to pay like $1.50 for strawberries, now it's like $5, $6, and I'm talking wholesale,” said Heath. 
Felicia Eve is the owner of String Thing Studio and she says some of her products are being delayed. 
"I get my inventory probably a day or two later than I probably would have and, in some instances, if it's waiting for it to be delivered from someplace else it could be months,” said Eve. 
Jennifer Wong, owner of Gone to the Dogs, says that along with shipping delays and inflation she is also seeing a labor shortage. 
"The labor shortage has definitely caused a dip in sales just because we don't have enough people to help us sell our products. And on top of that we're losing opportunities because of all the delays so it's a really tough time for us,” said Wong. 
Vendors say they’re still pushing forward and working around those challenges and ordering more supplies so they can get as many products to the market as possible. 
They say that as they continue to push forward, they’re hopeful that markets like this will help them reach more customers and boost sales, as they work to keep their businesses going.