The delivery problems in the retail sector intensified again in February. In a survey by the Ifo Institute, 76 percent of retailers said that not all the goods ordered could be delivered.
The situation is particularly tense for bicycles, toys, cars, furniture and electrical household appliances: between 90 and 96 percent of retailers reported delivery problems here. Significantly more supermarkets than in January complained about supply bottlenecks: the proportion rose from 18 to over 60 percent. In the clothing industry, 52.6 percent of the companies surveyed reported problems with delivery delays.
“The relaxation in January was not sustainable,” said survey leader Klaus Wohlrabe on Tuesday. “Therefore, isolated gaps on the shelves remain for the time being.” (dpa)