TEXAS, USA — With Halloween approaching in less than two weeks, the supply shortage has affected local businesses that thrive during the fall season.
Financeonline.com reported 64% of retailers were challenged to adapt their supply chain for ecommerce.
Like many business owners, Pecan Creek Farm and Ranch owner Crystal Braden says it's been tough meeting the demand of supplies needed for her pumpkin patch.
“There's lots of pivoting and definitely puts a strain and not to mention the price of everything is increasing, shipping has gone through the roof and definitely has an effect on all the goods that we're getting in as well. We're feeling that."
To avoid outsourcing for pumpkins needed for their patch, she decided to harvest her own pumpkin months ago in order to prepare for this season.
Pumpkin patches aren’t the only thing families look forward to during this season. Haunted houses and mazes are hot tickets in West Texas and many people look forward to getting spooked. But they too have been impacted by the recent nationwide supply shortage.
The infamous Nightmare at Camp Williams luckily had enough volunteers to start building the maze, but not enough decorations to make it as gory as possible.
"We buy a lot of our supplies in September online, we had a hard time finding blood but we were able to find a supplier locally. We always try to order early, especially this year because everyone is opening the attractions back up again,” Director of community relations and volunteer services at the San Angelo State Supported Living Center Andrea Souflee shared.
Camp Williams’ goal is to raise money for the volunteer services council in San Angelo. In 2019, the maze had 1,100 people attend and Souflee is hoping for twice as many people to come out and support.
Pecan Creek's Braden said her attraction is booked through October and halfway through November thanks to the community.
Supply shortages haven’t stopped these fall attractions from taking place and the owners are grateful for the West Texas community support through it all.