The article outlines problems that were rife throughout retail. Air conditioners, cookware, electronics, clothing and shoes all experienced a similar “bull whip” phenomenon. This really indicates that the supply line issues are more common and complex than most of us ever conceived. All of our eggs seem to come from the same basket carried by a few related couriers. I suspect this will not be the last time we experience a similar bull whip.
The “Just in Time” manufacturing model , so championed and admired, is clearly more susceptible to supply line complications than the older warehoused supply model. Back in the 70’s Bike Boom, when manufacturers couldn’t obtain steady supplies of the spec’ed components, they sought alternate suppliers to keep production going. But the transshipment sources were unaffected by a shortage from any given supplier. Our interconnected global world will continue to be susceptible to supply line issues.