CLEVELAND — Ready or not, pumpkin season is here.

“It’s not too early. I can feel it in the air. It’s not too early,” John Cooper, a grocery shopper, said. “This time of year it just reminds you of autumn and harvest… it’s like that kind of energy.”

National research from Empower found 54% of people look forward to pumpkin-flavored products. The study also showed many items come with a so-called “pumpkin tax,” often priced higher than the original. One in three shoppers said they’re still willing to pay.

Cooper is among them. “If I want it that bad, heck yeah I’ll do it,” he said.

But not everyone is rushing to get a pumpkin spice latte.

“Can you wait ‘til September at least? October would be better,” said Sue Schuld. “You can keep your pumpkins. I’ll take August. I’ll keep my margari

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