Xmas 2021’s top toys as The Entertainer boss urges early shop amid shortages

See some of this year’s top toys as Gary Grant, founder of toy chain The Entertainer warns the toy industry has become the latest to be hit by shipping delays and the HGV drivers crisis

Stocking up on Christmas gifts in September might seem premature but parents are being urged to get in early amid fears of toy shortages.

The industry has become the latest hit by shipping delays and the 90,000 shortfall of HGV delivery drivers.

And that means there could be limited numbers of the most popular toys by the time the festive season is upon us.

Gary Grant, founder of toy chain The Entertainer, said: “Already we cannot get the full quantity of containers we need to move our stock compared to last year.

“And we’re still in the summer. Every delay from this point runs the risk of stock not being ­delivered before Christmas.

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“The added complication is that when a container does arrive we’ve got this shortage of HGV drivers.

“So there are hold-ups moving them on to the warehouses and to the shops.

“If you know what you want to buy your child, don’t be chasing round the country in December.

“I would genuinely recommend putting things away early.

“The thing to remember is there will always be toys on the shelves.

“The only risk is that the range might be narrower the closer we get to Christmas, so the popular toy your child wants might not be there when you need it.”

Mr Grant also told how the various hold-ups in the supply chain have sent costs “through the roof”.

He added: “A container that would have cost us £1,000 at the start of 2020 is now anything from £11,000 to £14,000.

“That’s like saying a toy that cost £5 last year is now selling for £50 or £60.”

Thankfully, he said the rises are not being passed on to customers, for now.

The supply problem, caused by a combination of Covid and red tape, has meant shipping containers have ended up on the wrong continents.

Logistics UK’s Alex Veitch said: “Normally, logistics is quite simple for things such as toys.

“But just about everything that could go wrong has gone wrong over the past 18 months. It’s been a very, very bumpy ride so far.”

This year’s sought-after toys include Squishys, Cat Vs Pickles, Paw Patrol vehicles and Jiggly Pets.

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Mr Grant said: “Some ranges are always massively popular.

“Barbie has had a big year so far, so has Paw Patrol. And with a Paw Patrol movie on the way, there’s always the potential for an extra boost in demand.”