Copic Sketch Markers: Lost at Sea?

There's a little-known story brewing out here on the West coast. It's got all the makings of a real page-turner. Good guys and villains, high-stakes and bluffing. Even high-seas...now all we need are some real buccaneers! Especially if they can capture our container loads of Copics! And that's the connection here. We can't get our shipments in from Japan!

We are caught in the middle of this labor dipute between the longshoreman's union and the agency in charge of West Coast ports. It has been playing out for months, but it's starting to heat up now. It's beginning to create real problems, especially in the retail industries. Imports are stuck in warehouses and on board shipping vessels. Loaded ships are anchored at port. Exports can't get off the docks. It's a mess!

You can hope along with us for a speedy resolution! Until then, we can't ship Sketch markers until some time in March. We know that's not what you want to hear—and neither do we! Stay tuned and we'll let you know how this situation plays out.

Please note—you can still browse the Sketch markers. You can choose the ones you want and save them into your "My Colors." First,set up an account. After you set up an account, you will see a heart icon with products and when you hover over colors. Click the heart icon to save the item to a "wishlist" for later. When you return you can place your saved products right into the cart for purchase. We hope this won't be long!

More information

• West Coast Port Congestion Could Be Retail's $7B Headache

• West Coast Ports to Shut Down 4 Days Amid Labor Dispute

• Pictures of the labor dispute at the port of Los Angeles & Long Beach by Micheal Kelly

Top Photo: © Port of Tacoma

Lower photo: Flicker user Jim Bahn