Campers face stock shortages and rising prices in 2022, manufacturer warns

Campers could face another year of limited stock and rising prices in 2022, a leading outdoor brand has warned.

A shortage of shipping containers and courier drivers is delaying the arrival in the UK of camping products and outdoor essentials, according to Olpro.

It was revealed earlier in 2021 that Britain was facing a tent shortage caused by a “perfect storm” of Covid, Brexit and the huge global demand for camping equipment.

Manufacturers struggled to get new stock into shops and as a result some customers faced long delays in having their orders supplied, post-lockdown.

Demand for tents and outdoor gear has never been higher, with the restrictions on foreign travel encouraging more people than ever to turn to camping for their summer holidays.

Most camping equipment is made in the Far East and as a result of pandemic-related factory shutdowns and worker shortages, production has been dramatically curtailed over the last year.

The cost of manufacturing has also rocketed. Olpro said containers typically cost around £1,500 each, but during 2021, soaring demand meant prices went up to £8,000 per container.

The delays caused by the lack of containers are continuing to severely affect the arrival of products and Olpro Managing Director, Daniel Walton, said they wouldn't ease soon.