It’s no secret that recent events have had a tremendous impact on businesses and supply chains worldwide.
Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic — and compounded by Brexit disruption — businesses have faced continued challenges with acquiring and maintaining their stock since the UK emerged from lockdown.
As a result, the UK has experienced increased supply chain issues — not least arising from worldwide worker shortages and rising inflation.
Wholesale retail hit hard
At the height of the pandemic, it became apparent just how underprepared many wholesale retailers were for disruption. A decades-long focus on supply chain optimisation to minimise costs and reduce inventories had removed the buffers, and wholesale retail was hit hard.
Within the manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade industries, 30% experienced significant global supply chain issues. The repercussions are still ongoing, with storage and shipping issues creating backlogs for many suppliers.
Shipping containers are the backbone of global trade. But in 2021, events such as the Suez Canal blockage in March and the shutdown of a key port in southern China in May and June due to coronavirus outbreaks left roughly 350,000 containers idle.
Post-lockdown, prices have also skyrocketed — creating an imbalance in supply and demand with fewer containers in circulation and high demand for stock.
And the bottleneck continues.
These containers are then unloaded at warehouses; if there is no space available, it only adds to the container circulation problem. In a post-COVID world, demand from e-commerce means there is a shortage of space in warehouses, leading to higher rental rates. As such, the sheer stock volume wholesale retailers and traders deal with means they are often met with numerous roadblocks in the supply chain.
‘Just-in-time’ supply chain
Lean and insufficient inventories leave companies vulnerable during periods of unprecedented disruption. With no end in sight, it brings the ‘just-in-time’ model incorporated by many companies into question. How useful is this approach in 2022?
The just-in-time model has been established for years and aims to generate just enough supply to meet demand, therefore, minimising overproduction and financial loss. Though this has been beneficial in the past, limited stock means that any unexpected fluctuation in demand will cause disruption and backlogs — as we have seen during the pandemic.
Consequently, wholesalers are considering the advantages of stockpiling resources. A constant supply of available stock is the safest way to secure supply chains and also has environmental benefits. Though the just-in-time model may help eliminate overproduction, it can also result in more frequent transport for parts and supplies, contributing to additional fuel use and vehicle emissions.
The Baggery Sundries solution
Florists tend to be small shops, so storage can be an issue. Orders are kept low to avoid overcrowding their shops, increasing the risk of supply issues.
However, at The Baggery Sundries, we have a warehouse with over 10,000 sq ft worth of space and 4,000 products stocked at all times, so your business has quick access to supplies.
We house a vast range of sundries that cater for the florists’ every necessity, with an ever-changing array of products that move along with trends within the industry. Unlike the just-in-time model, our warehouse facility ensures we avoid the implications of external factors — now and in the future.
What’s more, we believe the floristry industry does not have to harm the planet.
Statistically, cargo shipped on sea freight reduces carbon emissions to 15 grams for every kilometre it sails — compared to air freight, which emits 500 grams of CO2 in the same distance. Shipping most of our products on sea freight means actively reducing our carbon footprint. Plus, as products go directly from the manufacturer to our warehouse and then to customers, we keep our process as green as possible.
Over the last two years, restrictions have hit florists and retailers hard. We want to ensure your experience with The Baggery Sundries is always as easy and efficient as possible, which is why we offer next-day delivery for orders placed before 12:30 PM.
We also specialise in sourcing specific products for customers and welcome enquiries for products that may not currently be on our website as standard stock items.
The Baggery Sundries is dedicated to your total satisfaction, acting as your one-stop shop for floristry supplies. Get in touch today.
