BLS & Co. Project Director and Supply Chain Practice Leader Michelle Comerford spoke with ROI-NJ about how supply chain issues could be problematic this year despite the sector's best efforts.

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Supply chain expert Michelle Comerford said the ports have been busy trying to improve issues to hopefully prevent disruption.

“But it remains to be seen what will happen in the holiday season,” she said. “People will be holding their breath this year as retailers start seeing a large amount of goods coming in through congested ports.”

Comerford is Industrial & Supply Chain Practice leader at site selection and advisory firm Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Co. Her firm has been busy on a long-term industry effort to overhaul the supply chain that would minimize the risk of future disruptions.

“We are currently in the midst of a great reset in manufacturing footprints,” she said. “Largely as a result of the supply chain disruptions from the COVID pandemic, we’re helping a lot of domestic and international manufacturers set up operations in the United States. Companies aren’t leaving Asia completely, but they’re diversifying and not just relying on one megaplant.”

It’s going to take years for the supply chain to start to demonstrate the effects of that overhaul. It’s not an overnight fix, Comerford said.

So, in other words, it’s not a reason to put off holiday gift-buying.

“But I think we’re seeing, very slowly, some improvement in the supply chain,” she said. “We’re hopeful.”