cnet - Black Friday shopping might be too late, thanks to shipping delays
 
“Consider ordering your year-end gifts now if they're an important part of your holidays. Gifts you buy online on Black Friday might not have enough time to arrive.
 
Any product you order online could take longer than usual for delivery. Global shortages of microprocessors, magnets and plastic have slowed production to a crawl. When products are available, shipping has choked due to a combination of heightened demand, COVID-related port shutdowns and storm-created chaos. Seventy-three cargo ships await unloading at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on Saturday, a record. Tennis balls, couches and even pickles have been affected.
 
The takeaway: It's impossible to know whether a specific laptop, sound system or pair of jeans will be in stock ahead of the holidays.”
 
My thoughts:  Most people are probably already aware of this.  The article is worth a read for the background information and possible alternatives for buying gifts.

I think PC sales will be good for the holidays, but lower because of the chip shortage. 

XrayMan
 I have a feeling people won't be spending too much this year. People just don't have as much money this year.

I think you are going to be correct.  In our household we have noticed the rising prices for just about everything.  Normally, I would think people are becoming more cognizant of the rising cost of living and may adjust their spending.  However. these days I'm not so sure.  Credit card debt in the US is on track to be $960B by the end of 2021 and at some point "you have to pay the piper."

A Black Friday special really needs to have a superior bargain this year.