As the holiday season approaches, consumers are facing big decisions about their spending habits. With the uncertain economic outlook, they are wondering whether to splurge or save. To shed some light on this topic, Wharton marketing professor Cait Lamberton is here to share her insights into holiday spending and consumer confidence.
On the other hand, it seems that holiday shopping has already kicked into high gear. Many people are eager to start their gift-buying journey and take advantage of the deals and discounts offered during Black Friday. However, there is a growing concern about the impact of mass consumption on our planet and society. Some experts predict that we will see more people opting for sustainable and ethical gifts this year.
Meanwhile, in the world of food, there is a growing interest in heirloom varieties and preserving historic foods and foodways. Culinary historian Sarah Lohman has traveled across the United States to uncover rare foods that are at risk of extinction, such as New Jersey cider apples, sweet Carolina African runner peanut, Buckeye chicken, Coachella Valley Dates, and Hawaiian heritage sugar cane. She met with farmers, ranchers, scientists, and activists who are working to preserve these foods. Lohman’s new book Endangered Eating highlights the importance of bringing heirloom foods back to our tables and shares recipes for some of these rare ingredients.
Lastly, there is a new podcast coming out that focuses on Philadelphia’s public art scene called Art Outside. The podcast will feature five street artists who have made their mark on the city’s urban landscape and explore their motivations behind creating outdoor art. Hosted by Street Dept blogger Conrad Benner, this series will debut on Tuesday with an episode featuring “the Philadelphia Bansky,” who is taking on the Philadelphia Parking Authority with his art work.