Blog

COVID-19 and Appliance Demands: Our Supply Chain Update

by Olly Mason

We've experienced our fair share of monumental events over the past 90 years, but nothing like COVID. From website upgrades to sanitization, masks and social distancing in store to no-contact curbside delivery or masked in-home delivery and installation,  we've done our best to create a safe way for you to shop for and receive new appliances.

Unfortunately, that's only half of the story. Like many industries, the appliance industry supply chain has been greatly impacted by COVID-19. Long backorders have been common since the spring of last year, but we're beginning to see some good news on the horizon for 2021. Read on to learn about our current supply updates, including the ways we’re streamlining your buying process during these unique circumstances.

group of young adults socially distant against a red wall

Which products are still in stock?

Thankfully, the second half of 2021 is shaping up to look like business as usual. In fact, despite shortages, we still have a competitive in-stock supply of popular appliances.

  • Discover over 120 in-stock refrigerator options from over 10 brands.
  • Choose between more than 80 in-stock range models from top brands, including GE, LG, and Whirlpool.  
  • Keep cooking conditions sanitary with 60+ choices from our inventory of in-stock dishwashers
  • Hygiene is more important than ever, and with over 150 laundry appliances in-stock, you can keep your family safe.

warehouse of packaged appliances stack atop another

Popularity

While stainless-steel appliances experienced a big initial hit, the influx also created bigger demands, and as a result, suppliers are working exceptionally hard to re-stock stainless-steel appliances.

Currently, we have a steady inventory of appliance finishes, such as:

Still in High-Supply

The good news is microwaves, under-the-counter refrigerators, and over-the-range hoods continue to remain relatively high in supply. With conditions improving daily, we are increasingly seeing a steadier supply of top-selling appliance, so make sure to check back frequently.

Additionally, you can elect to receive even more details on an item from one of our experts. Simply select the “Request More Info” at the upper right-hand side of the page, located beneath a product’s “At a Glance,” or speak directly with a representative with our new chat function; just select the red chat box at the lower right-hand side to open a new dialogue box.

How has COVID-19 created delays?

With more and more families staying home, consumers collectively started putting money back into their homes in 2020 rather than toward vacationing, travel, dining, and more.

Additionally, the housing industry experienced a surprising boom during 2020, (up 5.6 percent since 2019, according to Zillow, a popular real estate marketplace), adding to the number of consumers purchasing appliances.

Despite a huge buying spike, factory shutdowns in March, April, and May of 2020 created a supply deficit. Nevertheless, positive trends show hopefulness in the later quarters of 2021.  

graphic of mini shopping cart full of packaging boxes on top of laptop

How can I avoid order delays?

First and foremost, we are grateful for your continued commitment to buying local. It is because of you that we continuously work to make our website easy to navigate, with up-to-date inventory of products, plus easy-to-read indicators that let you know which items are in-stock and ready to ship. Every day, our catalog changes, with a growing trend towards the positive in the latter half of 2021, and our goal is to make this unique situation as effortless as possible.

To do so, we regularly update important resources in order to help you find appliances that are in-stock and ready to deliver to your home.

For more information on how to avoid a back-order:

  • Browse available products our in-stock catalog page.
  • Review our FAQ Availability page for answer to questions, including:
    • Four ways to receive your new appliance.
    • How to receive an appliance sooner.
    • How to check appliance availability at a local Grand Appliance and TV.
    • How to track your delivery. 

How We’re Helping You Avoid Back-Orders

Since our inventory comes directly from factory trucks and containers, we’re able to strategically organize stock in order to keep up with demand. As a result, we’re able to coordinate with manufacturers who then plan production around less-available items.

While we do our best to keep this process flowing, sudden halts in production during 2020 have intermittently cause gaps in scheduled shipment. Nevertheless, we’re prepared, engaging in special bids directly from manufacturer warehouses.  

Ultimately, the best thing buyers can do is be flexible. To help our buyers, we are constantly seeking new strategies to provide you with a consistent stock of appliances. In the meantime, we encourage our buyers to consider alternative buying options.

Here are a few tips:

  1. Find a wide inventory of available product with our in-stock catalog.
  2. Explore over 250 clearance appliances currently in-stock, including Scratch-n-Dent, Closeout, Out of Box and more.
  3. Research new brands for more options. We continuously spotlight brands with many pages dedicated to major brands, including:
    1. LG Kitchen Appliances
    2. Frigidaire Gallery Kitchen Appliances
    3. GE Profile Kitchen Appliances

Shop In-Stock Appliances Near You

With 25 locations, Grand Appliance and TV is helping you find in-stock appliances throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Browse, shop, and compare online or in-store today!

group of people in blue shirts huddled together