Delay in symbol group refits unlikely to clear until 2022

A major parts shortage is delaying symbol group store refits, with one expert claiming the backlog is unlikely to clear until September 2022.

The expert, who asked not to be named, told Better Retailing the issues were affecting specialist parts such as chiller doors.

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They said: “Usually we’d wait an average of six to eight weeks to get parts from China. Now the waiting time could be up to 16 weeks. It’s affecting all the symbol groups.

“It’s the backlog that’s creating a lot of the delays as well. Retailers don’t want to mess with their stores in December. It could be September next year until everything is back to normal.”

Last month, John Kinney, managing director of wholesale group Unitas, said a shortage of raw materials had also delayed planned refits of Today’s and Lifestyle Express symbol groups until next year.

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