Some stores are predicting shortages of certain items because of the spike in buying due to the stimulus checks combined with shipping delays and container shortages.
The release of $25 million in stimulus checks last week was followed by record sales at local retailers supermarkets and hardware stores.
Nadine Solofa Taufaasau of Neil’s Ace Home Center said there was a gradual surge on Friday after recipients cashed their checks. Then, there was a groundswell on Saturday.
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General Manager of Cost U less Marvin Raps said his store is bringing in a lot more in-demand household and electronic items. Large speakers, deep sea fishing rods & reels, sofas and mattresses were very popular purchases over Mothers Day Weekend. He says they are moving a lot of merchandise and ordering months in advance. Christmas stock is already in the pipeline.
Tutuila Chen Sauvao of Tutuila Store said usually people would check the prices before they buy but that hasn’t been the case since shoppers received their stimulus checks.
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The second batch of stimulus checks will be out May 13th.
