FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Shoppers at the Fort Leonard Wood Commissary may notice a change to or a limited amount of the types of brands or products that are currently available due to supply chain shortages occurring across the country.
According to Fort Leonard Wood’s Assistant Commissary Officer Ricardo Edelman, there are two contributing factors for supply shortages at the commissary.
“Our supply of goods has been affected by two major factors: not enough drivers available for our regular deliveries, that transfers to delays in the loads, sometimes up to two days,” he said. “The second one is the reduction in our orders’ quantities due to production issues at major plants and manufacturers (chicken, oils, condiments, canned goods) – in some cases we have observed the complete removal of a line of product (from) one brand.”
Items that may be out of stock or have low quantities varies, Edelman said.
“Some of the products we are constantly monitoring for shortages are frozen and chilled,” he said. “The lines that have been affected by limited or no deliveries are the lunch meats, spices and the international section.”
Although there may be a shortage of certain products, Edelman said the team at the commissary is adapting to market changes and trying to foresee shortages in order to provide the same level of service to their customers.
“We are trying to adapt to shortages by ensuring we have enough of the similar or replacement products; we understand it might not be the customer’s favorite brand but we prefer to have something available than none at all,” he said.
As the commissary continues to work through supply challenges, Edelman offered some advice to shoppers.
“Do not fall into the panic shopping, just continue with your normal shopping,” he said. “In my seven years with the commissary, I have never seen a community as supportive and understanding like Fort Leonard Wood, we just ask you to bear with us through these interesting times.”
The commissary is not the only store impacted by supply shortages on Fort Leonard Wood, the Exchange has also been affected, according to Beth Pritchard, Fort Leonard Wood Exchange general manager.
“Like all retailers, the Exchange has been adversely impacted by the unprecedented worldwide supply chain disruption,” Pritchard said. “We continue to fight for our unfair share of inventory to provide ongoing merchandise availability to service members and their families around the world.”
Products impacted at the Exchange include electronics, athletic footwear, men’s and women’s clothing, appliances and furniture, according to Pritchard. Holiday shopping may also be affected this year, Pritchard said.
“The Exchange’s buying teams have carefully curated 2021 holiday selections to offer the widest variety of merchandise at the best price and value for authorized shoppers,” she said.
Pritchard said, holiday shopping will be made easier if completed early.
“We recommend customers shop early and often to ensure they’re able to acquire the ideal gifts for their friends and loved ones this year,” she said.
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