Christmas and Hanukkah are more than a month away, but some businesses are gearing up for the winter holiday spirit, as retailers recommend getting shopping done early.
COVID-19 has caused a shortage of drivers, trucks, and warehouses, causing shipping delays that may be heightened during the holiday months.
Some community members say they've experienced the challenges of order delays during the pandemic.
“Amazon orders would come in pretty early, but now that I’m away at college it takes like another week for things to arrive," Sydney McCarter, a San Luis Obispo resident said.
Tom's Toys on Higuera Street has dealt with problems getting their store orders in and may face similar issues heading in December.
“Right now with our deliveries, you never know when we’re going to get them just because of shipping delays in the areas that we’re getting them from," Tom's Toys cashier Amanda Real said.
Real says those looking for a specific item, should get it early.
“It’s always a safe bet to look for it early, see if we have it and purchase it then, because if it sells out - you might not be able to get it later," Real said.
One San Luis Obispo County resident says he's not worried and plans to be flexible with how he shops this year.
“If they don’t have what I need I can always switch it up," Morro Bay resident Ryan Rigdon said.
Hands Gallery in downtown San Luis Obispo has already brought out Christmas decorations in their store. To avoid long lines and crowds, they are planning to hold multiple pre-holiday sales and spread out the dates this year.
Some shoppers have already started looking for gifts.
“If I see something that I know someone will like, I just pick it up then; I don’t have to worry about it down the line and then I don’t feel rushed," Los Angeles resident Priscilla Chan said.
