Catalog requests by mail
The nostalgia! Catalog requests by mail were a common practice in the pre-internet era. Here's a brief overview:
How it worked:
- Consumers would request a catalog by mail by sending a letter or postcard to the company's mailing address.
- The company would send a printed catalog to the consumer's mailing address.
- The catalog would typically contain a list of products or services offered by the company, along with prices, descriptions, and sometimes even images.
- Consumers could then use the catalog to browse and order products by mail, phone, or in-person at a physical store.
Popular catalog companies:
- Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Sears Catalog)
- Montgomery Ward (Montgomery Ward Catalog)
- JCPenney (JCPenney Catalog)
- Spiegel (Spiegel Catalog)
- L.L.Bean (L.L.Bean Catalog)
- Lands' End (Lands' End Catalog)
- Eddie Bauer (Eddie Bauer Catalog)
- Victoria's Secret (Victoria's Secret Catalog)
- Lerner Shops (Lerner Shops Catalog)
- Talbots (Talbots Catalog)
Why catalog requests by mail were popular:
- Convenience: Consumers could browse and order products from the comfort of their own homes.
- Accessibility: Catalogs reached rural areas and remote locations where internet access was limited.
- Trust: Consumers trusted the printed word and the reputation of established companies.
- No pressure: Catalog shopping allowed consumers to take their time, without the pressure of sales associates.
The decline of catalog requests by mail:
- Rise of e-commerce: The internet and online shopping platforms made it easier and more convenient for consumers to shop online.
- Increased competition: The proliferation of online retailers and social media platforms reduced the need for printed catalogs.
- Environmental concerns: The environmental impact of printing and mailing catalogs became a concern for consumers and companies alike.
- Changing consumer behavior: Consumers increasingly preferred the instant gratification and flexibility of online shopping.
While catalog requests by mail are no longer as popular as they once were, some companies still maintain a strong catalog business, and many others have adapted to the digital age by offering online shopping options.