Walmart, Toys “R” Us and Target are giving shoppers little to be jolly about this holiday season as a combination of high delivery prices have many scrambling to find a gift to put under the tree
While shoppers expect some of the most popular toys to be out-of-stock, many are shocked to see that even less popular toys are hard to find- especially if they are ordering online.
What’s worse is when they do find a toy that can be delivered, there are some hefty delivery charges they have to pay if they want it in time for Christmas.
This has left many feeling frustrated and just a little bit panicked- as Christmas is a little over a week away.
Consumer Press did some research and has found that parents are really limited this year when it comes to toy options and online shopping has become anything but convenient or easy.
Toys “R” Us is the biggest toy store yet has the least amount of toys available based on our findings.
In addition to finding most of the Disney Frozen line out-of-stock both in-stores and online they had a list of other toys unavailable as well.
Some of these items include: a majority of their Melissa & Doug puzzles, LeapFrog LeapReader Writing workbook, Fisher-Price Little People City Skyway (in-store pickup only), SpongeBob Clam Catching game, Little Tikes Little Handiworker Workhorse (in-store pickup only), Baby Einstein My First Library, Vtech Rhymme and Discover book (green) and many more.
Walmart is almost as bad, maybe even worse when you consider some of their exorbitant delivery charges. After placing an order totaling $110, for small assorted toys and clothes I was given the option of having it rushed to ensure early delivery, for $44.90.
That is just one example: they are also advertising a Artistic Studios Marvel Art and Activity Collection set for $15, with a $6.97 charge to get it by this coming Friday, December 19 via Standard mail and a $14 delivery charge to get it by Thursday, December 18 via Rush delivery- which is almost as much as the gift itself.
Even more baffling they show a $9.45 charge to have it expedited and delivered on Friday, December 19- the same date as the Standard.
Walmart also has several items out-of-stock online, like several of their MegaBlocks building sets, Vtech Spinning Tunes music player, Vtech InnoTab 3s Plus Kids learning tablet, assorted board games like Monopoly Junior and more.
Target isn’t much better, as a large potion of their items are either out-of-stock online or say in-store only, like the Cra-Z-Art shopping cart, Barbie Rainbow hair doll, Lego Star wars B-wing set and more.
Consumers looking to shop online for toys can go to Amazon, which has a lot of toys in stock, but be warned you will pay more. For example, The Paw Patrol lookout Tower playest, which retails for $33-$39 ( Toys “R” Us & Walmart) is going for $69.95 through Amazon Prime.
Shoppers may have to start looking for alternative gifts or try shopping in smaller retail stores to try and find what the need.
What do you think of this years toy shortage? Tell us if you’ve had problems finding toys and from where in the comments section below
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