Omicron has led to Italian brands facing tough times. As per a Glossy report, brands in Italy have been facing not just delivery delays but also factory shutdowns. Tibi’s Italian factory shut down for over 10 days across December and January, informs Amy Smilovic, Creative Director. Lingerie brand Cosabella faced significant delivery delays with shipments arriving two later than the scheduled date.
If these delays and shutdowns continue into February and March, brands like Tibi and Cosabella will not be able to deliver their spring/summer orders. Last year, Cosabella received orders meant for January at the end of March. This year, his team anticipated the possibilities of delays in transition to the new year, even before Omicron became a concern. Cosabella bought excess raw materials in November, anticipating they may become harder or slower to get in January. The company also produced excess basics and core product around the same time, to solve for any dry periods when product runs low.
Brands including Jimmy Choo, Aquazzura and Sarah Flint that manufacture in Italy increased prices over the summer, to make up for new supply chain costs during periods when delays slowed the process to a halt.
