Supply Chain Research

Imports of holiday season decorations and lights increased 3% in the May through October shipping season vs. a year earlier, Panjiva data shows. This was far from guaranteed though as imports in September were 12% lower, possibly due to the Hanjin Shipping crisis. However there was a 32% jump in October as this cleared. Retailers including Costco, QVC and Kmart expected shoppers to favor dioramas over tree decorations. Imports of scenes and figures jumped 22% higher while glass ornaments were 4% lower than a year earlier.