Unlike last year when holiday shopping was undermined by supply-chain issues, Consumer Matters has learned that this year the retail landscape is more favorable.

Labour shortages, traffic jams, and pandemic-related factory shutdowns are all contributing to the supply chain nightmare ahead of this holiday season.

U.S. shoppers had splurged more than $1.52 billion online by Thanksgiving evening, and more bargain hunters turned up at stores this year after two weak holiday seasons as retailers opened their doors early on the eve of Black Friday.