Shortages at Marks & Spencer could last until spring, according to reports.
The retail giant is expected to see shortages across its clothing and homeware ranges, and the supply-chain issue could drive up prices, Retail Gazette reports.
Supermarket prices surged at the fastest pace for more than a year in October amid supply chain disruption and lorry driver shortages, recent figures have shown.
The latest data from Kantar revealed like-for-like grocery inflation rose to 2.1% in October – the highest since August last year.
It comes as the wider issues in supply chains in the UK and globally is pushing up prices across the board, with the Bank of England warning last week that inflation will rocket to its highest level for 10 years.
Marks & Spencer will give its latest half-year trading figures to shareholders on Thursday, November 11.
Christmas is key for many retailers but represents a particularly important period for M&S, with gift-shopping sparking more demand in clothing and home while its food business also typically sees a surge in customer numbers.
Bosses are expected to reassure shoppers that food in the run-up to Christmas will have good availability.
It is expected to show profits above pre-pandemic levels after a strong year of recovery, with analysts at Jefferies forecasting a £264million pre-tax profit, compared with £176m two years ago.
Shareholders will be eager to find out how the business has shielded itself from global supply issues as well as concerns closer to home, such as the HGV driver shortage.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
