The coronavirus is causing supply chain uncertainty, with Mosaic Brands and P.E. Nation the latest to come forward with concerns.
In its half year fiscal announcement, Mosaic Brands said retailers could face shipping and manufacturing delays as a result of the outbreak.
Mosaic Brands operates a number of leading brands including Noni B Group and Ezibuy.
"This has had a minor impact on February deliveries and the group is now working with its suppliers to ensure minimal delays for winter product," the company stated in a shareholder announcement.
"Should delays prove to be material, sales during the early winter season, including the key Mother’s Day period, could be affected."
In view of this uncertainty, the board has decided to take a prudent approach and postpone its decision on declaration of an interim dividend until the impact of the COVID-19 has been clarified.
Activewear brand P.E. Nation, which has just announced a global collaboration with H&M, has also addressed concerns.
Co-founder Pip Edwards said while the collaboration was produced prior to the outbreak, the brand's own line is experiencing delays.
This includes current production, as well as sampling of its next collection.
"There are no delays with the H&M line, because it was all signed off before this."
Earlier this week, David Jones CEO Ian Moir said sourcing delays could compound trading pressures on retailers. This included battling the effects of Australia's bushfire season, as well as a slump in retail trade.
“It is pretty tough out there,” Moir said.
“It’s still promotional, still competitive, and they’ll be more businesses that will go out of business and there will be more structural change.”
“So it’s not going to get any easier.”
For a detailed report into the coronavirus and its impact on trade, see our April. Want to add your thoughts? Email us at ragtrader@yaffa.com.au.