With an East Coast port strike now in effect, retail and marketing experts say it's possible some goods could be in short supply in less than a month.
What should you consider stocking up on now?
For the average consumer, Burt Flickinger, a consumer logistics and retail analyst, says perishable items might be where to focus.
Flickinger told KNX News' Pete Demetriou, "All tree fruit and all ground fruit: bananas, limes, apples, oranges, and salads. Every kind of vegetable, meat, pork, and poultry needs to be bought."
He also said to grab your prescription drugs "since 80% of our RX comes from overseas."
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For families with babies, Flickinger recommends stocking up on formula, diapers, clothes, and shoes now rather than waiting until next month.
When it comes to electronics like phones, computers, and TVs, given worldwide production capabilities, shortages will be short-lived, if they happen at all.
Flickinger says that to avoid disrupting the collective bargaining process on the East Coast, West Coast unionized employers and labor unions have said they want to avoid products coming to the ports of Los Angeles, San Pedro Bay, Long Beach, San Diego, etc.
However, should the strike stretch a month or more, a shift in shipping patterns may become a more viable option for keeping goods in stores.
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