Harry Potter wands have doubled in price as the supply crisis threatens to cast a black spell over Christmas.
Today Chancellor Rishi Sunak insisted ministers are doing “everything” to tackle shortages and tried to dampen down public alarm.
Speaking after a meeting in the US, he blamed global problems for port delays and added: “I’m confident there will be a good amount of Christmas presents available.”
His words came amid more evidence of looming Christmas shortages with shop owners saying some Harry Potter merchandise has sold out.
Elvijs Plugis, co-owner of London’s House of Spells, said: “A Harry Potter wand used to be £20, now it’s going to be £35 to £40.
"Shops are running out of stock.”
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And Labour leader Keir Starmer blamed the Government for not being better prepared.
Speaking during a visit to a Sheffield steel plant, he said: “At the moment the Government is sitting back and saying this is somebody else’s problem.”
Meanwhile, a distributor plans to fly in 300,000 Elves Behavin’ Badly dolls, with nearly a million stuck in Chinese ports.
Some popular toy ranges are being hugely marked up on resale sites.
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Car dealership Vertu Motors said a Minecraft Lego set recommended to retail at £49.99 is £179 on eBay.
Distribution difficulties have been worsened by bottlenecks at ports, especially Felixstowe, exaserbated by a lack of lorry drivers.
The owner of budget chain Poundland said shipping costs had risen ten-old.
Elsewhere, Waitrose reported strong demand for Christmas online delivery slots with turkey orders up 54% and orders for other goods up sharply.
The Government tonight announced plans to boost HGV festive deliveries by temporarily extending “cabotage”rights.
It will mean foreign lorry drivers who come to the UK with goods can pick up and drop off goods unlimited times for two weeks before returning home.
