National Handbag Day
October 9, 2019
Did you know October 10 is National Handbag Day? Call it what you will – pocketbook, clutch, purse, or satchel – they’ve been coming in handy for thousands of years! As long as humans have had items to carry, we have created bags in which to carry them. As early as 38,000 BCE, hunter-gatherer, humans were using bundles and pouches made from fibers to store and transport food and tools. The drawstring purse was used by both men and women from at least the time of Ancient Rome (like Saint Homobonus in 1197 below) to the Renaissance and beyond!
Since the late-nineteenth century, handbags have evolved to become both functional and fashionable. For commuters, handbags are a necessity. Where else are you supposed to safely store your SEPTA Key?
Lucky for you SEPTA riders, the new Fashion District Philadelphia is the ultimate destination to celebrate National Handbag Day - and it's connected to Jefferson Station! At the District, you'll find dozens of places to choose from to shop handbags - like Century 21, Burlington, Dolly's Boutique, and H&M. Plus, there's even more stores coming soon! Located in the heart of East Market in Center City, you can get there on nearly every SEPTA mode. Ride Regional Rail to Jefferson Station or the Market-Frankford Line to 11th Street and you are literally there! You can also hop a Trolley to 13th Street or the Broad Street Line to City Hall Station - you can get to The District underground or it's a short walk on Market Street. So many buses also travel past The District - including Routes 17, 23, 33, 28, 44, 45, 47, 61, and 78.
You can also celebrate handbag day with Perks! A number of boutiques in the region offer discounts and deals when you show your SEPTA Key!
First and foremost, the SEPTA Transit Store, located at 1234 Market Street has a hodgepodge of gifts and goodies, handbags included! You can find purses that are SEPTA-themed, clear bags that NFL stadium-approved (for Eagles games at the Linc of course), and more!
Speaking of the Eagles, the Eagles Pro Shop also offers many handbag options to the stylish and savvy fan. Get 10% off your purchase when you flash your SEPTA Key, or online when you use promo code SEPTAEAGLES! Check out some of the options below!
Out in the 'burbs, Ambler's Butler Avenue is lined with boutiques offering unique fashions and accessories. At XTRA 101, about 70% of the store contains items made by local artisans! Get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more when you show your SEPTA Key! Just down the road, the fashion, jewelry, and accessories boutique Wild Lilies Jewelry has plenty of handbag options like ones shown below. Take 15% off your total purchase when you flash your SEPTA Key! Getting to Ambler on SEPTA is easy - just ride the Lansdale/Doylestown Line to Ambler Station or hop Routes 94 or 95!
Our last, but certainly not least, handbag destination is Polka Dot Parlor! Polka Dot Parlor offers unique and vintage clothing in downtown Bristol Borough. Get there by riding the Trenton Line to Bristol Station, then flash your SEPTA Key at Polka Dot Parlor for 10% off your purchase! You can also get here on the Route 129 and Route 128.
We hope we've inspired you to celebrate National Handbag Day! Whether you prefer them big or small, functional or stylish, there's a handbag out there for everyone!
