'Tasmania is at the bottom of the planet': Retailers in grip of COVID supply chain woes

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Stock meant for last Christmas has only recently arrived at John Cole's shop in Tasmania; he is one of many retailers struggling to get stock in from overseas — with one expert lamenting that 'Tasmania is at the bottom of the planet' when it comes to delivery options.

John Cole could be called a modern-day pirate, sifting through stockpiles in hoarder's homes and digging through junk in barns and farms to find hidden treasures.One Tasmanian importer has seen his freight costs soar by 275 per cent, another has waited up to 12 months for stockMr Cole has travelled the world to find unique old and new items, importing them back to his antique shop in Tasmania.

Stock meant for last Christmas only recently arrived at Mr Cole's Devonport shop — he estimates the lost sales have cost him up to $50,000.An antique retailer in Devonport says he's been hit with a 275 per cent increase in freight costs. "We're currently faced with 275 per cent freight price increases on our goods and they're now asking for a special surcharge to guarantee your containers get on the ship."Freight group says shipping limited

Tasmania Logistics Committee chairman Brett Charlton believes the main problem is the shipping lines are not adjusted to the demand, with more containers needed than there is space on ships.

 

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Let me consult my map!!!

Another good reason to bring back manufacturing here.

Tasmania is at the top of the planet, everything else is further north, as in, towards the bottom.

Tasmania may actually be the top of the planet...

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