The COVID-19 pandemic has weighed on the global economy, created volatile indexes, clogged supply chains, shuttered factories, disrupted shipping and limited the sale and movement of goods worldwide. Since supply chains are complex systems of manufacturing, transportation, equipment, personnel and processes to move products from one location to the next within a strict time frame, the past year has created major bottlenecks and bubbles.

The economic impacts of the pandemic became more severe and widespread with each new outbreak in 2020. With more shutdowns imminent in 2021 as new, more contagious strains of the coronavirus spread, supply chain and economic challenges will continue, hurting earnings and further destabilizing struggling retailers. At the same time, these challenges have created paths to profitability for those who have the capacity to operate. Retailers and consumers alike will likely continue to experience delays, an uneven supply of goods, elevated prices for certain items and discounts on others.