Supply chain chaos causes shortage of JJ cartoon dolls for baby JJs, sparking Christmas panic

  • Supply issues are causing dolls of CoComelon, YouTube’s star YouTube channel, to run out of stock
  • The dolls are sold at chains including Argos, and The Entertainer for about £40
  • But some are being listed on eBay for as much as £79.99 amid the shortages
  • In the lead up to Christmas, delays in global shipping are leading to concern










He’s known for calmly singing educational songs to pre-school children – but cartoon baby JJ has sparked panic among parents.

The CoComelon dolls have been a hit on Christmas wish lists, but they are in short supply due to chaos in the supply chain. This could leave parents scrambling for their must-have toys at double the cost.

Pandemic-related delays in shipping worldwide and shortages of HGV drivers have led to slower deliveries.

CoComelon is the world’s second largest YouTube channel – with 122 million subscribers – behind Indian music channel T-Series. 

Dolls of the star of YouTube's CoComelon have topped Christmas wishlists but are running short because of the supply chain chaos, threatening to leave parents paying double the price

Although dolls featuring CoComelon, the YouTube star have made it onto Christmas wish lists, they are now running out of stock. This chaos could lead to parents having to pay twice as much.

JJ, his family and close friends sing three minute episodes about nursery rhymes and songs that teach children everything.

With the interactive doll measuring 12in, children can enjoy singing along and can even be clothed. 

They are sold at chains including Argos, Smyths Toys and The Entertainer and typically cost about £40. 

However, some are being listed on eBay for as much as £79.99 as shoppers scramble for the popular character.

Gary Grant, the founder of Toy Chain The Entertainer said that “The CoComelon toys” are at greatest risk of being completely out of stock. They were new to us, and it wasn’t easy to estimate how many we would need.

Delays in the shipping industry caused by the pandemic have combined with a shortage of HGV drivers to slow up deliveries of goods worldwide. Pictured: Shipping containers in Suffolk

Pandemic-related delays in the shipping sector and shortages of drivers for HGVs have caused slowdowns in global deliveries. Pictured: Suffolk shipping containers

They have become very popular especially with the JJ Interactive character. We have one more delivery coming in ten days’ time and then the next one won’t arrive in time – it’s looking like the 28th.’

Jay Jeon founded Treasure Studio and created CoComelon. JJ is his name. 

CoComelon, which was then known as ABCkidTV, was founded in 2006 by the filmmaker and his wife. 

These videos began as alphabet songs, but they soon expanded to include nursery rhymes and original music with the tagline “Be happy and smart”.

The brand is estimated to generate more than £90 million a year and was bought by global entertainment company Moonbug last year. 

The cartoon has been called the “next Peppapig”, and has inspired books, movies, and even a New Forest theme park. Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited it.

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