Concerns over holiday shopping as shipping problems continue

PITTSBURGH — Whether you hit the turnpike or took to the skies, AAA predicts 53 million Americans will travel from Wednesday through Sunday. While travelers at places like Pittsburgh International Airport found their set own set of problems with long lines and delays, slow shipping times and supply shortages aren’t making things easier at the start of the holiday season.

“The global supply chain bottlenecks have been a challenge for us all,” said Nakeya Shelton, president of Enterprise Sales and UPS. “Early is best. Shopping early, shipping early for your is going to be the best recipe for success.”

Monica Yope, who owns Love Pittsburgh, said one way to get around that is to shop local.

“The money you’re spending is directly supporting your neighbors,” she said. “Because we are local and purchasing from local vendors, a lot of times people are often hand delivering, driving their goods to our store. We don’t have to rely on the postal service or something that could be delayed.”

Many major retailers said they’ll be closed for Thanksgiving Day.

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