I know many people have commented on the lack of stock and I do concur that we have not replenished certain items fast enough; for that, I apologise. No one is losing out more than us because of the shortage but I know that won’t make you feel any better. We have had some issues and I wanted to try and explain some of that to help shed light on the difficulties we face.

Dumbles

We made multiple colours in 2015 and found that this quantity was difficult to maintain, especially with the grey being the number one Cubbies seller. Last year, we experienced multiple logistical and sourcing problems with the factory that manufactured the Dumbles and we made the decision to have them made by an alternative factory. Making sure that the product is exactly the same size, colour, shape and weight is of course, time-consuming. We decided, after years of getting consistent feedback, that the blue Dumble was too pale and the royal blue was too strong. So, with these two colours as a guide, we have replaced the pale blue with a soft sky blue elephant and we’re really pleased with the result. From June 2018, we will only have the pink, grey and new blue Dumbles available.

Harlequins

If you have been with us since 2016, you will know we have chopped and changed in size. As the fabric of the Harlequins doesn’t have the same give (stretch), this can create a lot of pressure on the seams while hooping and applying to a machine. Hence why we made the new standard size of 13″ (34cm), rather than the previous 12″ (32cm) size. We are satisfied with the new standard size and we have almost sold out of all the discontinued sizes. Having less SKU’s to produce really helps with forecasting and financing the right stock levels.

Classics

We introduced a “Retiring/Retired” page to help keep you guys in the loop on what will be discontinued once it has sold out. In order for Cubbies to finance stocking the top ten sellers all year round, we need to reduce the SKU count and discontinue old designs. However, we have received multiple complaints about old designs that retailer’s customers liked or preferred and wanted back – this is the dilemma we face. Whilst we try to satisfy all demands, we cannot fulfill all and we have to make decisions about which old Classic designs from 2014/15 we keep or discontinue.

It is not cost effective for us to put an item into production that takes years to sell out, even if it may be popular for a few businesses in a certain territory. We have to make a decision that caters to all the 28 countries we service. It takes five months from enacting a PO for us to receive it at the warehouses and this timeline used to be less than four months. The goods we receive next month were actually organised before Christmas! In May, we will be receiving a fantastic amount of White Unicorns and Grey Bunnies. I know I have said this before but I really feel that this time, we’ll be able to keep them stocked every day.

Seasonal Cubbies

We have retired or replaced some seasonal items with Signatures (for example, the lion and dragon) but just because they are seasonal doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see them again. The multi-coloured bears, pug, owl, grey unicorn and turtle may make a brief reappearance in the winter.

Core “Everyday” Cubbies

It’s safe to say that the core designs will not be retired or replaced this decade. With fewer SKUs in inventory we can afford to have these items in production continuously, and if we do run out, it’s our hope to have them replenished in less than three weeks. These items are:

CLASSIC COLLECTION

• White Unicorn (best seller)
• Pink Unicorn
• Grey Bunny
• White Bunny
• Monkey
• Brown Bear
• Elephant
• Lamb
• Hero Bear

SIGNATURE COLLECTION

• Monkey
• Dragon
• Unicorn
• Penguin
• Giraffe (new best seller)
• Lion

HARLEQUIN COLLECTION

• Pink Bunny (best seller)
• Blue Bunny
• Brown Monkey
• Dog
• Elephant

DUMBLE COLLECTION

• Grey (best seller)
• Pink
• Blue

BLANKIE COLLECTION

• White Unicorn (best seller)
• Pink Unicorn
• Grey Bunny
• Monkey
• Brown Bear
• Elephant
• Lamb

The backpacks and rag dolls have been a real hit and like all pilot launches, once they sell out, it may be a little while before they’re replenished. We have hooded towels arriving soon and there is a lovely new blanket/puppet in the works. Once we see sales for a full twelve months we can make a decision if it makes the core, everyday range or will only be stocked seasonally.

I appreciate your understanding in this matter and we really are getting better and making progress, even if right now, because of the shortages, it doesn’t feel like it.