“I love September, especially when we’re in it.” Willie Stargell
September is a gateway month – back to school, back to work after summer vacations, and the start of a new season of food, fashion, and foliage.
From summer camp to school supplies
“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” – You’ve Got Mail (Nora Ephron)
By September, students are back to school, and with that comes the bustle of back-to-school shopping. The National Retail Federation estimates that back-to-school spending will reach $82.8 billion this year. Gen Z drove back-to-school spending beyond Mother’s Day and Father’s Day combined last year and will do the same again in 2018, with only holiday spending higher. One thing back-to-school shoppers, especially Gen Z college students and Millennial parents of younger students have in common? Online shopping
From Shorts to Sweaters
“Designers want me to dress like Spring in billowy things. I don’t feel like Spring. I feel like a warm red Autumn” – Marilyn Monroe
By October fall fashions are in full swing– we change our clothes, our hair, and our colors. When it comes to fall fashion, neon is “in,” but don’t dismiss animal prints, textured layers, or browns. Retro 80s is also making a comeback, complete with oversized outerwear – so make sure that sweater you choose is baggy. Fall is the perfect time for a layered look, polished with the perfect pair of boots. When it comes to shopping for clothes, 98% of Gen Z shop offline, but to draw them in requires delivering a unique and personal experience. They want to feel, touch, and try on their apparel before buying.
From Green to Gold
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” Albert Camus
Fall foliage travel and tourism contributes billions of dollars to the economy. This year, the best fall foliage viewing will be in the Northeast, but that’s not the only place to see beautiful autumn changes. Take a drive up the countryside along the Mississippi River through Iowa and Minnesota for a color explosion experience. Fall foliage is not exclusive to the U.S.; there are many places to travel around the world to see every leaf in blossom.
From Cubs to Cowboys
“Baseball is what we were, and football is what we have become.” – Mary McGrory
Baseball playoffs start October 2, as the sport’s long season begins to wind down. While there’s much we can learn from baseball, football kicks into high gear in September and we all start rooting for our favorite teams and planning Super bowl parties. Super Bowl 2019 will take place February 3 in Atlanta. While the cost of hosting the Super bowl is estimated to be $46 million, Atlanta will likely make more than $300 million. Baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, but football is America’s favorite sport – and recipes for Super Bowl 2019 are looking tasty.
From Watermelon to Mouthwatering Fall Flavors
“My favorite season is pumpkin spice latte.” – Unknown
Juicy and refreshing, watermelon may be the ultimate symbol of summer, but at the first hint of fall, pumpkin takes over. From pumpkin lattes to pumpkin-flavored dog biscuits, pumpkin is fall’s favorite flavor, but there is new competition from maple. You’ll find it in more than syrup, as it makes its way into ice cream, whiskey, cupcakes, and of course, lattes.
From fall fashion to fall flavors, it’s a time for renewal.
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
