Put down the pumpkin; pick up the sunscreen

Spotted yesterday in the Burlington Mall:



That's right: we're seeing Hallowe'en merch in August. And not even so-close-to-the-end-of-the-month-we-might-as-well-call-it-September, but August 16.

Now, I understand that promo opportunities for candle companies are few and far between. But is this really the best they can do? No back-to-school? No end-of-summer celebration? Not even "the days are getting shorter, so fill your home with light"??

Even better: there's a 50% off sale, as though they need to clear the spooky products from the shelves now to make room for the Thanksgiving candles that will doubtless arrive next week.

I guess I should look on the bright (har har) side: if the retail cycle stretches much further, everything will eventually be a whole year ahead. Watch for pumpkins for two years from now appearing late next September.