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Retailers Scramble as Shopping Cart Shortages Hit Lithuania’s Stores

Lithuanian retailers are facing an unexpected challenge this spring: a shortage of shopping carts in stores, driven by a sudden spike in demand for automotive products as consumers rush to prepare for the summer season. According to recent reports, pre-summer tire sales at major retailers like Pigu.lt have jumped by more than 20% compared to the same period last year, while overall automotive product sales in early March were up by as much as 70%. This surge in car-related shopping has created operational bottlenecks, including a noticeable reduction in the number of available shopping carts in many stores.

Dainius Liulys, General Director of UAB Pigu, recently highlighted the financial and logistical strain on the company, stating that after returning to the helm of Pigu, the company generated €2 million in losses within a single month, but we are now very close to turning a profit. The company’s rapid sales growth, particularly in garden and automotive products, has led to unprecedented foot traffic and operational challenges, including the temporary reduction of shopping carts to accommodate high-demand inventory.

Summer Tire Sales Surge Exceeds 70% Year-Over-Year Amid Refunded Pension Funds

The trend is not limited to tires. Retailers note that the start of spring has coincided with a broader increase in demand for products related to vehicle maintenance and preparation for the warmer months. Kristina Liutkevičienė, a spokesperson for Pigu.lt, explained that purchases of summer tires and other automotive products have seen unprecedented growth this year, with the company recording a 70% increase in sales for these categories compared to March of the previous year. The surge has been so significant that some stores have reported sales activity remaining over 90% higher than the first weekend of April, driven by refunded pension funds and early seasonal shopping.

Industry data from Lithuania’s tyre market analysis for 2026 indicates that the market size is projected to grow, with the replacement tyre segment expected to lead this expansion. The market’s value is estimated at USD 162.59 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.11% projected through 2030. This growth is further supported by robust consumer activity, as Lithuanians prepare for summer at record pace, with some product categories seeing sales increase by several hundred percent.

While the direct link between tire sales and cart shortages is not explicitly stated, industry observers suggest that the combination of increased foot traffic and the need for retailers to reorganize their floor space to accommodate high-demand products has led to a temporary reduction in the number of carts available for shoppers. Some stores have already begun implementing temporary measures, such as increasing the number of carts available at store entrances or encouraging customers to use baskets for smaller purchases.

Lithuania’s Truck Registrations Rise 12.2% as EU Mobility Package Looms Over Logistics

Beyond the immediate issue of shopping carts, Lithuania’s automotive sector is experiencing significant growth. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), new car registrations in the European Union increased by 4% in the first quarter of 2026, with Lithuania’s truck registrations rising by 12.2%—outpacing the EU average. This growth is largely driven by strong consumer activity, bolstered by new and revised tax benefits and incentive schemes across major European countries.

However, this growth is not uniform across all segments. While commercial vehicle registrations are rising, the impact on smaller logistics operators—including those who rely on shopping carts for their own operations—remains a point of concern. The European Union’s Mobility Package, which includes new regulations for drivers using light commercial vehicles (2.5–3.5 tons), is set to take effect in July. These changes could further disrupt supply chains and influence how goods are transported and stored in the coming months, adding to the logistical challenges faced by retailers.

Academic studies and industry analyses indicate that the Mobility Package’s implementation in Lithuania has already begun to affect road freight transport companies, with some operators reporting increased operational costs and reduced efficiency. The new rules, which aim to standardize working conditions and safety across the EU, are expected to create additional pressures on logistics networks, particularly for smaller businesses.

Retailers Adjust Strategies as Cart Shortages Persist Through Summer Season

For now, retailers are advising customers to plan their shopping trips carefully, as the shortage of carts is expected to persist until the peak of the summer tire buying season subsides. Pigu.lt and other major retailers have begun to adapt by increasing the number of carts at store entrances and encouraging the use of baskets for smaller purchases. Some stores have also introduced temporary measures, such as limiting the number of carts per customer to ensure fair distribution.

The situation also highlights broader challenges in Lithuania’s retail and logistics sectors, including the need for greater flexibility in inventory management and supply chain planning. As demand for automotive products continues to rise, retailers will need to adapt quickly to avoid similar disruptions in the future. The rapid growth in sales, combined with the logistical constraints, underscores the importance of agile operational strategies and robust supply chain management.

For consumers, the message is clear: if you’re planning to buy summer tires or other car-related products, do so sooner rather than later. And if you’re heading to the store, be prepared to bring your own cart—or a basket. The current shortage serves as a reminder of how quickly consumer behavior can shift and the importance of planning ahead during peak shopping seasons.