Supply, shipping issues have North Hills businesses advising customers to shop early

NORTH HILLS, Pa. — As supply chain problems, shipping delays and labor shortages persist across the United States, some North Hills business owners are advising customers to get your holiday shopping wrapped up as soon as you can.

Julie Tsounos, owner at Learning Express in Wexford, said she anticipated shortages and thus placed orders well in advance of the holiday shopping time. Still, the toy store is waiting on about 30% of those orders.

“Every day we get a few things trickling in and so there’s always hope we’ll get a restock of something that’s hot,” she said. Otherwise, “all of the hot toys we have are either sold out or going quickly, so my advice is to shop early. If you haven’t already started, then you better get on it!”

Over at Riverstone Books in McCandless, manager Chris Zebley also advises customers to purchase the books on your wish list or place orders soon. He suggests customers visit the store to speak with an employee, who can check inventory at that location or their Squirrel Hill shop, and can also make recommendations.

He said orders placed in early December should make it in time for Christmas, but “some big books of the season are just selling out so fast that you can’t get them in fast enough to keep them here.”

Like many businesses, Zebley said shipments are coming in later than anticipated.

“Some of our publishers have been having problems with getting the books out on their originally projected publication date or getting the books to us in their normal distribution patterns.”

Both he and Tsounos look forward to things returning to normal

She told us it’s been “very frustrating” and finding seasonal workers has been challenging, too.

“Hopefully it’ll resolve itself in the next year,” she said.

In light of the current economic challenges, Tsounos is committed to helping those in need, and is collecting new toys to donate to kids in need via the Heyward House. Until Dec. 11, people can drop off new toys or new coats at her store.

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