H&M CEO Daniel Erver has said that the company, the second-biggest listed fashion retailer in the world, had delayed the launch of several Spring/Summer campaigns due to shipping delays brought on by the Red Sea issue.

In an interview with Reuters, Erver stated, “We have made some short-term adaptation on the starting date and the launch date of campaigns,” adding that there has been little to no influence on the options accessible to clients.

He stated that while the length of the delay will differ from nation to nation, in certain areas it might be as much as two weeks.

Because of militant attacks, shipping companies have avoided the Suez Canal, increasing freight prices and delaying the arrival of clothing and shoes from manufacturers in Europe from factories in Asia. Container vessels have been rerouted around the southern tip of Africa.

During the release of its first-quarter report on Wednesday, H&M stated that it was keeping an eye on the situation in the Red Sea and that it has taken steps to minimise any effects on the company’s inventory levels, freight expenses, and product availability.

According to Erver, the store has made preparations to move production closer to customers and has asked suppliers to ship goods sooner than usual in an effort to minimise inconvenience.

(Adapted from USNews.com)