Despite ongoing strikes, retail chains such as Kesko, Lidl and S-ryhmä have assured customers that there will be no product shortages during Easter. This is because the stores have ordered enough goods in advance to ensure they will not run out. Although some individual products may be unavailable, the situation will not result in entire product groups being out of stock.
The proactive approach taken by the retail chains has played a significant role in ensuring good availability of products during Easter. They anticipated the strikes and ordered more goods than usual for storage. The director of S Group’s grocery trade, Sampo Päällysaho, emphasized that Finns have predictable eating habits which made it easier to forecast demand.
Easter sheep and other delicacies from abroad, as well as grills for the upcoming barbecue season, were ordered well in advance. Most food consumed in Finland is sourced locally so port strikes have minimal impact on their availability. However, retail chains have imported food items such as fruit to ensure there will be enough during the strikes.
Lidl, known for its foreign products, has made special transportation arrangements to ensure products reach their distribution centers and stores on time. According to Lidl’s director of sales and merchandise management Akseli Mäkisalo Easter seasonal products and other campaign products will still be available as usual. Overall, retail chains have taken proactive measures to ensure customers will have access to the products they need during the strikes.
