In August 2021 it was revealed that there would be delays to Evolving Skies Products. This set was eagerly anticipated due to the inclusion of Eevee evolutions. It was also scheduled to release just a few months after the global coronavirus lockdowns lifted. The lockdowns had seen a surge in Pokémon collecting, which, coupled with supply difficulties had seen global shortages of product.
After row upon row of empty shelves earlier in the year, Pokémon had seemed to have sorted the supply problems. Products were beginning to return to the shelves and become much more readily available.
However, just a few weeks before release it was revealed that that there would be delays to Evolving Skies products in the UK, Europe and Australia. Products in the United States were not affected.
Why were there delays in United Kingdom and Europe?
In the UK there were problems with freight deliveries since Brexit due to extra customs checks that had to be done before goods could enter the country. But this was not the cause of the delay. Rather, the shipment carrying Evolving Skies to the UK had missed an important sea connection and delivery in time for release was impossible.
One of the largest distributers in the UK suggested that affected Evolving Skies products would likely be delayed by at least two weeks. Furthermore, less product than anticipated was reported to be arriving meaning orders to stockists were allocated and this was passed on to the consumer.
Many European stockists purchase from UK Distributors which meant they were also affected.
Delays to Evolving Skies Products were believed to be confined to Booster boxes, Booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes and the Evolving Skies Mini Portfolio, but was not certain. As it happened, Booster boxes were released on time but Elite Trainer Boxes and the Eevee Evolutions Tins were delayed by a month.
Why were there delays in Australia?
A large distributor in Australia announced that the launch of a number of items would be delayed. It was unclear whether the cause was also shipment/freight issues or due to other circumstances.
The distributor announcing the delays to Evolving Skies Products suggested the revised release schedule:
Evolving Skies Booster Boxes and Booster Packs – 10th September
Evolving Skies Elite Trainer Boxes – 17th September
Chilling Reign Calyrex V boxes – 24th September
Pokémon V Union Boxes – 1st October
Eevee evolutions tins – 22nd October
