ALL NEWS

FTC to investigate retailers and the supply chain crisis

Nov 29, 2021, 7:25 PM

shoplifting...

Stores are becoming priced-out by shoplifters. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

SALT LAKE CITY — The FTC is demanding big box retailers hand over what they know about supply chain problems that are impacting the country.  Retailers in Utah says companies will be more than happy to work with the government. However, they still have some concerns. 

USA Today reports the federal government is ordering companies like Walmart, Amazon and Kroger (the parent company of Smith’s Marketplace) to turn over any information they have on supply chain disruptions.  According to the report, these companies have 45 days to comply. And they have to highlight all of the factors that disrupt their ability to “obtain, transport and distribute their products.”

Analysts in Utah believe big box retailers would be very willing to help identify what is slowing down the supply chain.  Utah Retail Merchants Association President Dave Davis says there’s a reason to be optimistic about conditions improving.  He’s hearing anecdotal evidence that operations inside shipping ports in California are getting better, although slowly.

Davis said, “We’re seeing better staffing and [ports] running longer hours at the port.  So, they’re just processing more goods through the ports, right now.”

The ‘Imperfect Storm’ causing supply chain issues

Still, even if operations at the ports were running at full speed, Davis says that wouldn’t entirely solve their problems.  He says the country is still dealing with a severe labor shortage. And the country’s current shortage of truck drivers is making things difficult for everyone.

He said, “I wish that I could point to one thing and say ‘this is the problem.’”

Even though Davis believes retailers will be willing to work with the FTC, there are some things he is concerned about.  For instance, he says the federal government shouldn’t require retailers to divulge proprietary information that would hurt the company’s working systems.  Plus, he says this is not a good time to ask retailers to focus on anything other than sales.

“The timing of the request is probably not ideal in that it’s coming right during the middle of the biggest selling season,” Davis said.

As bleak as things may appear for customers, Davis believes the country is in a better position than it was in 2020, in some ways.  He says we had plenty of goods on store shelves last year, but consumer confidence was quite low.

“I think what we’re seeing this year is just the opposite of that, which is that we’re struggling, a little bit, to get goods into the stores, but consumer confidence is much higher than it was a year ago,” he said.

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

12 year old driver shown driving erratically on freeway...

Sam Herrera

WATCH: Police release dash cam footage of 12-year-old driver

The Utah Highway Patrol said the 12-year-old driver stole her mom's car. The girl was briefly arrested before being released to her parents.

15 minutes ago

A bus carrying Easter worshippers fell off a cliff, killing 45 people in the Mamatlakala mountain p...

Amy Cassidy, CNN

Bus carrying Easter worshippers falls off cliff killing 45 people in South Africa

An eight-year-old girl who survived the bus crash in South Africa has been airlifted to hospital according to local media.

24 minutes ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

52 minutes ago

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged for confronting snowboarder with shotgun

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

2 hours ago

Four cats relaxing on chairs and a cat tree at Fawn's Family Rescue...

Heather Peterson

Fawn’s Family Rescue provides lounge to relax with adoptable cats

Fawn's Family Rescue recently opened its doors in Bountiful. The new cat lounge provides a comfortable way for people to hang out with feline friends.

5 hours ago

A n3-year degree may be an option...

Amie Schaeffer

Utah students could soon earn bachelor’s degrees in 3 years

College students may be able to graduate with a bachelors degree in three years in some industries.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

FTC to investigate retailers and the supply chain crisis