November 10
- Fall: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Local Businesses and Stores
By: Kiley Delfin
Fellow of CommunicationsThe Alvernia University O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is busy with work during the fall season, helping local businesses thrive during the shift in consumer demand that occurs between seasons. Student Fellows are providing companies not only with help throughout the fall season but also with assistance in rebranding businesses ahead of the new year.
Autumn Across America
Autumn has been rising as America’s favorite season. You know who else loves the fall season? Local business owners. This holiday-packed season is the perfect time for local businesses across America, thanks to shifts in consumer mindset. American consumers view fall as a time to prepare and build habits that will help them ring in the new year.
The start of Fall marks the peak of the “back-to-school” season. Parents take their children to purchase new school supplies, technology, and clothing. To kick off the new school year, community members flock to book hair, nails, and other beauty services at the beginning of September. Look your best, feel your best-right? Local salons, boutiques, and retailers benefit from the early fall season customer craze.
Fall Associations
Fall is known for its association with local coffee shops and novelty home decor items. Local coffee shops are booming with customers during the autumn season, as people eagerly try new fall-flavored drinks, such as the beloved pumpkin spice special. The transition from a hot summer to a chilly fall is the perfect time for people to invest in new decor, cozy blankets, sweaters, and candles, which are often purchased from local businesses and boutiques.
The beautiful fall weather encourages communities to plan festivals and farmers’ market events that showcase the local area. The West Reading Farmers’ Market is open weekly on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on South 6th Avenue, near Penn Avenue. The West Reading Fall Fest took place on Saturday, Sept. 20, with over 200 vendors and retailers in attendance. Popular local farms, such as Brecknock Orchard and Weaver’s Orchard, have been hosting fall festivals throughout October and remain open in November for apple and pumpkin picking.
Holiday Season Kicking Up SpeedAnd, of course, we can’t forget the two major holidays that take place during the autumn season: Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween is the perfect time for local businesses to host spooky events and offer deals that attract a diverse range of customers. Thanksgiving gives owners the ideal opportunity to market heading into the holiday season. Local bakeries and food spots are booming with business during Thanksgiving week, making multiple pie and family dinner orders a day!
It's safe to say Fall is the greatest time of the year for many reasons, and local businesses across America can definitely agree with that!
