Girl Scout cookie shortage sparks resale market
(News Nation) – Those who look forward to Girl Scout cookie season each year may face disappointment, as supply chain disruptions lead to cookie shortages and black market prices.
Raspberry Rallies, a new flavor introduced this year that is the “sister cookie” of the popular Thin Mint, sold out within days in some parts of the country. The limited edition cookie was only available online and typically sold for $4-$7 per box, but is now being listed for astronomical prices on sites like eBay. Boxes of the cookies are being listed online for upwards of $20 per box, including a listing for 12 boxes selling for $499.
But it’s not just the limited edition flavor that’s out of stock.
The Girl Scouts of the USA announced in December that customers ordering online could face a shortage due to supply chain issues affecting Little Brownie Bakers, one of two bakeries making the iconic cookies.
While the Girl Scouts said that bulk orders for in-person sales would not be affected, people have taken to social media to report that they are unable to find their favorite cookies in person, and that some troops are shortening the sales season.
Whether or not you can find your favorite flavor depends on where you live, as Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Bakery supply in different parts of the country. This is why the cookies may have different names or taste slightly different depending on what state you are in.
Many of the flavors are sold out in some parts of the country, and while some are turning to resellers to get their cookie fix, Girl Scout leaders have asked people to avoid older markets.
“When cookies are purchased through a third-party vendor, Girl Scout troops are deprived of the income that funds important programming throughout the year,” the Girl Scouts said in a statement to CNN.
