Americans have an obsession with all things fall.
Whether it’s pumpkin-flavored coffee or soap that makes our hands smell like fresh-baked apple pie, there’s something about the fall season that tends to tickle our emotions and tempt us to buy things that may or may not fit our budget.
If you’ve ever splurged on lawn decor or cozy throw blankets in various shades of orange and brown, you’re nodding along.
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There’s something so cozy and inviting about fall that it’s easy to see why so many people embrace it.
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Fall really gives us the best of all worlds – warm-ish weather during the day, cool weather at night, and in some areas of the country, beautiful changing leaves that make an otherwise mundane drive through the neighborhood amazingly scenic.
And if that tempts you to spend a little extra money to enjoy the season, so be it.
Image source: Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Fall products are a big hit with consumers
There’s a reason retailers tend to stock up on fall items, and why food and beverage makers tend to produce an apple or pumpkin-flavored version of their most popular products.
Consumers are usually willing to open their wallets during the fall and scoop up those seasonal items while they’re still available.
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And let’s face it – the fall season is shrinking in much of the country.
Fall in the Northeast used to begin in September and last well into November. Now, you might still be wearing your flip-flops on October 1.
Grocery retailers are in an especially strong position to take advantage of the fall product-buying frenzy because food is relatively inexpensive to purchase impulsively.
A $45 fall-colored rug might give you pause, and there may be a part of your brain that stops you from making that purchase on a whim. It’s easier to spend $5 on pumpkin cookies or maple coffee creamer without having to stress about it.
Costco’s newest fall dessert is already a hit
Like many retailers, Costco is no stranger to fall products. Whether it’s home decor, clothing, or Halloween costumes and accessories, Costco knows full well that members expect those seasonal items to hit the shelves in September and October.
This year, Costco has opted to bring back fall a bit early. And members are loving it.
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Costco recently unveiled a new addition to its baked goods selection — Apple Fritter Donut Bites.
If you've ever been to a fall festival and popped a freshly made apple cider donut into your mouth, you know just how delicious a treat it is.
Costco's version doesn't come warm, but you can warm up these donut bites at home and enjoy an amazing dessert (or breakfast or lunch — no one's judging).
So far, Costco fans are sharing their love for the new Apple Fritter Donut Bites on social media. One Reddit poster said, “Their churro bites are good, but OMG these are fantastic!”
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Of course, the downside of these Apple Fritter Donut Bites showing up so early in the year is that they may be scooped up before fall really kicks into gear.
There’s a solution to that, though.
Buy them now, bag them, and freeze them. You’ll have something to look forward to when sweater weather arrives.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
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