This is definitely an un-cruel Summer
The US economy can thank Taylor Swift and Beyonce for the extra leg up. According to CNBC, Swift’s critically acclaimed Era’s tour is set to make more than $1 billion, making it the highest grossing tour of all time. While Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance’ tour, according to CBS, could rack up more than $2 billion from concert shows.
The anticipation of the tours, as well as the two pop icons, has also reportedly boosted local tourism within America, with brands and small business stores churning out creative ways to captivate fans, greatly boosting their income. According to the New York Times, a survey by the Federal Reserve shows hotel revenues have risen in the Philadelphia region, where Swift has booked stadiums for her tour, and Sweden has already said Beyonce’s tour is to thank for to help recover from inflation.
Moreover, AirBnB reported that the most popular tourist destinations during the Fourth of July weekend was not Greece or Italy, but Ohio city, where Taylor was hosting a concert.
Small business owners told The New York Times that their earnings tripled in income since the tours began, as Swifties and the Bey Hive flock to athetize their looks ahead of concerts. Shade Hotel in California spoke to the publication about hosting a Taylor Swift-pre party where guests could wear costumes, sip on the ‘Lavender Haze’ cocktail- boosting their earnings.
Similarly, the bead industry has also witnessed a revival after a lyric from Taylor’s song ‘Midnights’ album went viral. ‘So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and embrace it’, the lyrics said. Fans began showing up to concerts wearing friendship bracelets, and viral videos on social media show fans exchanging bracelets with each other, with the likes of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban joining in.
Speaking to Seattle Times, a staff member of Maple Leaf’s Beadworld said that since the Era’s tour began, they’ve attracted more clients than they can handle.
“We were full all day,” Sands said. “Definitely busier than normal.”
Nail technicians and hair salons can thank the Bey Hive for the tripling their income. Raven Voorhees told The New York Times she spent the entire summer working with clients attending Beyonce’s concerts, requesting colors alligned with the themes of the Renaissance tour.
“It’s boosting business,” Ms. Voorhees said. “We’re talking about someone who’s paying about $60 max for her service to now $150 because she’s doing a new set, she’s getting the works, all of the nail art and then, even after that, having to come back and having to do it again.”
It turns out even public transit services can thank Beyonce and Taylor Swift for never going out of style. In Los Angeles buses stayed open late for concert-goers, thanking Swift for the boost.
“We’re enchanted that Taylor Swift fans have given a big boost to public transit across the United States this year — and we’re looking forward to spending our midnights with many of you very soon,” the city’s metro system punned on its website.
