Retailers expect to let down holiday customers

Little cheer: Customers look over appliances in a department store in Illinois. The upcoming holiday season is in threat of being spoiled by worker shortages and supply-chain disruptions. ― AFP

NEW YORK: Retailers are trying to maintain a cheery outlook despite looming pressures on the upcoming holiday season, including worker shortages and supply-chain disruptions, according to a new report.

Three out of four United States retailers said shoppers expect more from stores than they can deliver due to the labour squeeze, according to the survey by workforce-management specialist UKG.