Retailers are experiencing a shortage of First Communion shoes due to pandemic-related supply chain delays.
John Walsh of Walsh Brothers Shoes in Tralee, Co Kerry, said global staffing issues due to workers contracting COVID means stores in Ireland are still waiting for shoe stock in time for upcoming communions.
He told the Irish Daily Mail that he ordered his stock a year ago.
“COVID has put delays on everything. The shoes were ordered in March 2021. They were only shipped in February. They normally come out in December so they were two months late. So they are still at sea basically,” he said.
“Even for the manufacturer, things like buckles, soles, heels – they have to source all those materials. With COVID, there have obviously been delays with the factories.
“They were loaded onto one of these big container ships, 22,000 containers at a time, and it makes seven stops before arriving in Hamburg. Every time he enters a port, if 20% of the staff are out with COVID, then everything is falling behind. They could be anchored at sea for three or four days before they can enter. Second, there are not enough port personnel to move the containers. Everything takes time.
Mr Walsh added that due to the disruption of the Communion over the past two years, there were very few remaining stocks to fall back on.
“Last year there was no Holy Communion, then they decided to have Holy Communion in September. So any stock we had was purchased in September. We normally have carryover stock, but we don’t have any this year.
“We ordered some sandals. Obviously they would be a second option, but if they are desperate on the day and the weather is good they will buy them.
Kathryn Curran, owner of The Princess Dress Company in Naas, Co Kildare, said she was experiencing shortages in some sizes.
“I’m down to two size one pairs and two size two pairs left. Three, four and five, I’m fine,” she said.
“Trends have also changed. Many of them want flats, whereas in previous years they all wanted low heels. Many of them are also opting for bling-up trainers, so there is an option.