Stocks of Christmas cards are expected to arrive this week at The Phoenix Stores after a problem encountered by its international supplier delayed delivery, the company’s chief executive and president said.

George Grundmuller added that the issue was not limited to Bermuda.

He highlighted yesterday that the cards were cleared and progressing through the island’s customs process, and he hoped to see them on shop shelves by the end of the week.

Mr Grundmuller explained: “The problem is from our supplier Hallmark. They implemented a new software worldwide, and that has caused a hiccup in the delivery of their Christmas merchandise.

“They actually flew, on their expense, the cards to the island — normally they get shipped by boat, and they are typically here by the end of October.

“This is not just something which affects us here in Bermuda. This also affects the United States and other places.”

The CEO said an order for “tens of thousands” of cards to fulfil festive season requirements across The Phoenix Stores shops is usually made in April or May

Christmas greetings can be expected to hit shelves in the first days of November once Hallowe’en is over, he added.

Mr Grundmuller said: “We realised that there would be a delay because we were informed as early as September, and Hallmark kept promising us they would resolve the issues, but it took them much longer than they anticipated.

“After not being able to send us the cards in November, they agreed to fly them in, and we had the first shipment here at the end of last week and we are getting another shipment this week.

“As soon as we have them, they will be put out.”

He hoped new stock would be available for purchase by the middle to end of this week.

Christmas card shelves at Brown & Co, which is among several retail outlets run by The Phoenix Stores, were sparse yesterday.

Mr Grundmuller said there was some leftover stock from last year on offer but it was “not nearly enough”.

He apologised for the delay and added: “We thank our customers for their patience in the matter.”

Hallmark was contacted for comment but none was received by the time of publication.