More people buying goods locally amid logistics chaos, higher prices

More people are buying from local shops rather than online amid logistical headaches, increasing prices and improved delivery services by Maltese entrepreneurs.
As logistics problems at a global level persist, consumers are again turning to local shops for goods they had opted to purchase from abroad in recent years.
With inflation rising and prices of most items going up, many are again appreciating the convenience of buying items such as small furniture and electronic devices from outlets in Malta.

The CEO of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, Abigail Mamo confirmed the trend, telling Times of Malta it initially started when Brexit occurred.
“The UK was a major market for the direct acquisition of goods by consumers,” she said.
“Once the UK exited the EU and started being treated as a third country, consumers were no longer protected by EU consumer law and this carries a big risk for consumers. Brexit rules also make deliveries much lengthier and more expensive.
“Round about the same time, the costs of logistics started going up drastically and, so, planning delivery schedules became impossible.”
But these are not the only reasons why Maltese businesses “scored gains”, Mamo said.
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