Season pushing is my term for walking into a store in July and seeing school supplies, Halloween and yes, Christmas decor already out. No wonder we can’t slow down as a society.
Economics and the Season
I am not an economist, but I am a consumer. I fully understand the concept of pushing the season, and getting certain merchandise out there. When our kids were in school, we got out there and shopped for school supplies. However, we did it in August, middle to late in the month. School was right around the corner. July was still summer. We made sure not to mix the two.
The competition is fierce, but for many consumers, it becomes a turnoff. Supplies are out, and many haven’t even been on their vacations yet. It has gotten worse through the years, and probably will be this way from now on.
Fall Season in July….Oh My
Yes, I actually walked into a crafts store, and saw many fall and harvest products on display. I won’t lie and say that I didn’t get a tinge of a chill, thinking about pumpkin pie and wood burning smells. However, when I walked outside and 95 degrees hit me square in the face, well that chill turned to instant sweat!
Give me fall anytime. But where I live, it doesn’t work that way. We have four seasons. Currently it’s summer, and even in all its humidity and heat, it has its place. Scarecrows just don’t fit the bill now. As the time gets closer, I for one will probably update my fall and harvest collection, but for now, sun and beach wins out.
Yes Virginia, Christmas Season is Peeking Through
Not only is Halloween sneaking into the picture in July, but so is Christmas. Once again, same said crafts store is already displaying wreaths and some decor for those who are artsy crafty and want to start their projects early, I suppose. I also make wreaths, but sorry, definitely not ready to go from July to December in one swoop. I haven’t been to the local dollar store for a while, but they are known for setting out all holiday paraphernalia early as well. Stay tuned!
Okay There are Some Perks to Season Pushing
So, I’ve mentioned some negatives of season pushing by merchants. Now I will admit to maybe a few positives to the practice. Fall clothes are pouring in to stores now, which means summer garments are going on sale. This is a win, win situation in this case, since you can update your seasonal wardrobe for summer, not spend retail prices, and still enjoy wearing it now. I can live with that. Besides clothes and jack o’ lanterns don’t really convey the same message, in my opinion. Along with clothes being discounted, you also have outdoor furniture, grills and summer accessories going on sale. Being able to buy summer items on the cheap, and still being able to use them, nothing wrong with that premise.
Slowing Time Down the Older We Get
When I was younger, I wished away the time. Bring on summer vacation, Christmas break, high school and college graduation, everything that took time. I wished I got older faster! Well, I have arrived, and now I just want it all to slow down a notch. Your perspective changes when you reach the senior years of your life. Now is when you want to be around for a long time to see your kids grow, get married and have children of their own. I know that I just want to get through each day and appreciate each minute. It’s summer until September, and I will try to ignore commercialism making me think differently.