Covid / Coronavirus and Physical Media Stock

[sjwolf]

I couldn't find a specific thread related to this and I didn't know if posting in some stalled, semi-related ones was the best option, but I had a question about the current state of the physical industry.

Since the pandemic started I've noticed A LOT of BDs, DVDs, Video Games in my Amazon saved list have become unavailable AND go out of stock at other retailers. Sometimes, there's a few marketplace/ebay sellers still selling copies at reasonable prices, other times it's just the lone scalper.

During lockdown, I figured it was simply a matter of people being home and wanting stuff to watch/play and companies were not operating at capacity to resupply and distribute (Printing companies, delivery services, warehouse storage, etc). However, as restrictions have loosened, I'm still not seeing availability of existing items improve. New / re-releases still seem to be happening, although possibly with less frequency.

Are companies abandoning their older catalogs at an increased rate or is it still just logistical issues? When do you anticipate availability improving?

Thanks

[CyberpunkCentral]

Interesting. Hmm.

[EvaDK]

As for blu-rays, Amazon.co.uk got really hit in the Spring with regards to available stock. I completed an order asap, as I watched stock dwindle to nothing of about half of the items I had in my shopping cart back then. Amazon.de was doing alright.

I reckon it happened due to a form of mass psychosis; just like some people suddenly started buying all the toilet paper they could find, despite there being no shortage of that product whatsoever in the production link and retail.

[sjwolf]

I’m still not seeing stock rebound. It seems as if every time I try to order a dvd or blu from my list they’re sold out everywhere, and for the most part there’s no way to confirm if they’re truly discontinued or if it’s still screwed up cuz covid.

[Doc Samson]

I have definitely noticed this. Physical media has been getting tougher to get in Canada even before the pandemic. But, finding stock now on Amazon seems to be significantly more difficult.