Businessman warns of outdoor toys shortage

A local businessman has warned that the new lockdown has brought with it a huge demand for outdoor toys, and could lead to a supply problem and increased costs as Brexit teething problems also continue.

James Owen of Llanymynech-based Rebo UK Ltd warns that as demand surges, shortages of children’s outdoor toys will follow.

He said price rises are guaranteed as the cost of container freight from Asia has risen to record highs.

As Covid-19 cases rise to record levels, panic buying is back, and this time it’s not just pasta and toilet paper that are in short supply. Brexit has also contributed to shortages of fresh fruit and veg and now, outdoor children’s toys.

As parents look for new ways to keep their kids busy during lockdown, demand for ride-on cars, bikes, quads and trucks has surged since Christmas, said Mr Owen, and orders for outdoor climbing frames, slides, swings and trampolines are rising beyond expectations.

“The stock we had delivered before December was intended for the usual high demand at Easter – but a big rise in sales has taken the whole industry by surprise so shortages will no doubt follow,” said Mr Owen, who explained that the record prices for container freight from Asia has to be reflected on the new stock arriving.

Lloyds Loading List report that as Container Freight prices soar to multiple times their normal level (282% up on this time last year), further hikes in prices are expected later this month, with equipment shortages, port delays and lack of capacity set to continue right up to the lunar new year in mid-February.

He added that consumers should prepare for higher-than-expected price rises as demand, product shortages and the continued rise in transport costs takes effect.

Rebo design and manufacture their own range of outdoor climbing frames, slides and swings, so their production capacity will definitely meet demand on these products, said Mr Owen.

The company has become one of the largest and fastest growing UK retailers of children’s outdoor toys; designing and manufacturing many of their products at their facility in Llanymynech.

The company can be found online at www.outdoortoys.co.uk