When I entered a local store last week, what do you think I saw? It was an aisle full of fall silk flowers, pumpkins and other decorative items any sane shopper would NOT be looking for until late August or September. I mean, the first day of summer hadn’t hit yet, so what was the rush?

Retailers plan one to three seasons ahead while marketing the current season. It makes sense to put out fall decor in mid-summer, but many store shelves are already stocked with Halloween candy and Christmas cards before the kids go back to school.

I know buyers attend trade shows twice a year, and retailers plan budgets and submit their purchase orders to vendors early, but why do they have to put that merchandise out on the shelves two seasons ahead? I resent the pressure of thinking that far ahead. Are people really flocking to the stores to buy a Christmas tree in August?

Let me enjoy the current season without the stress of thinking I need to buy something I won’t need for six months. Right now, the last thing I want to be reminded of is fall and the impending winter.