Kids’ Shoe Brands Prepare for Possible UPS Strike Ahead of Crucial Back-to-School Season

Pressure is mounting for some kids’ shoe brands prepping for back-to-school as the threat of a possible UPS strike looms next month. For months, the shipping and logistics company and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have been negotiating a new national master agreement for about 330,000 UPS employees in the U.S., as well as supplemental agreements that cover specific local areas of the country. With the Aug. 1 deadline to reach a deal fast approaching, concerns are growing over how this potential strike could affect retail and the all-important back-to-school shopping season. And there is a lot at stake: According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), back-to-school spending is expected to reach $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year and the previous high of $37.1 billion in 2021. Similarly, back-to-college spending is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion more than last year’s record, the NRF said. Flare lights went up earlier this week when the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) urged quick resolution to avoid the strike, calling the uncertainty of a possible strike “kryptonite” for supply chains. “While retailers maintain flexible and resilient supply chains, [and are] adept at navigating challenges to deliver for consumers, the impact of a UPS worker

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