What's hot in Summer 2009? Chocolate, Spam, Shoes and Staycations.
6-25-09

We're into another summer season when thoughts turn to recreation, leisure and time off from work and school. In a time when housing, automotive and big retail purchases are down, it's hard to keep our spirits up on how to have fun with news of economic gloom at every turn. Gas prices are up, so is unemployment. Prices are rising on just about everything and at one of those two times of year when you can use some extra cash it's a struggle figuring out how to come up with more money for typical summer leisure.

As I decided to come up with some ideas that are fun and inexpensive this summer I got to wondering if there's any products or services that are doing well in these recessionary times. According to USA Today from its May 22nd edition there are indeed some product sales seeing an up tick. Chocolate, spam, shoes, vegetable gardening products, fishing supplies, select wines and spirits, birth control, stomach antacids, lipstick, auto parts, used cars, consignment stores and gold/silver coin dealers are all doing a vibrant business right now.

"People are much more focused on their homes and their immediate happiness and they're buying things that they can use themselves. Lipstick and chocolate are small rewards that make you feel better," said Paco Underhill, whose company, Envirosell, monitors the behavior of shoppers and sellers across the U.S. Underhill continues, "The focus on the family hearth is something that has happened in nearly every recession. It's, 'How can I have more fun at home?" Underhill confirms what we've all been experiencing that we consumers have trimmed to the bone our household budgets postponing car purchases, big ticket items while still willing to enjoy small indulgences that make life at home more enjoyable.

With that in mind I'd like to share with you some thoughts that I've used to get more bang for the buck. I've mentioned before to start thinking of your home as a vacation spot. Consider your area restaurants, area attractions such as Lake Nockamixon, the pool, park, library and historic district are all here and a great place to start enjoying summer fun without the hassle of packing and killing a tank of gas. These places are either low or no cost to enjoy, and you'll be keeping what discretionary money you do have where I believe it belongs, here at home. The merchants in Quakertown and neighboring towns and boroughs are eager to serve you and your family. Maintaining a vibrant economy starts at home. The best way to stimulate your town's economy is by patronizing your local merchants which I can't encourage enough.

The next idea I got from a work colleague. Take a few days off from work and plan a theme around each day off. For example the boys and I are working on another 'golf and gamble' day. The boys and I play an informal round of golf at a local course ( we go to Fox Hollow ), we return home for steaks on the grill and then spend the evening playing monopoly. It's fun and relatively low cost. Take another day and hit nearby attractions that are well within a days drive. Knoebels, my favorite, family, friendly park where you pay by the ride and can bring food to keep costs down is just a few hours away in Elysburg. The Battleship New Jersey and Camden Aquarium, Philadelphia's historic district, the Jersey Shore and even Baltimore or New York can be done in a day or with just an overnight stay. Consider camping, bringing your food and you've got two more ways to travel economically.

The important thing is there's plenty to do if you get a little creative and take a family vote on select summer activities you can all have fun and keep the lid on spending excessively. The summer is too important to let fly by without enjoying the season. So put on the flip flops and summer shorts and enjoy your staycation. See 'ya around town.