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:

  1. Consumers would request a catalog by mail by sending a letter or postcard to the company's mailing address.
  2. The company would send a printed catalog to the consumer's mailing address.
  3. The catalog would typically contain a list of products or services offered by the company, along with prices, descriptions, and sometimes even images.
  4. Consumers could then use the catalog to browse and order products by mail, phone, or in-person at a physical store.

Popular catalog companies:

  1. Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Sears Catalog)
  2. Montgomery Ward (Montgomery Ward Catalog)
  3. JCPenney (JCPenney Catalog)
  4. Spiegel (Spiegel Catalog)
  5. L.L.Bean (L.L.Bean Catalog)
  6. Lands' End (Lands' End Catalog)
  7. Eddie Bauer (Eddie Bauer Catalog)
  8. Victoria's Secret (Victoria's Secret Catalog)
  9. Lerner Shops (Lerner Shops Catalog)
  10. Talbots (Talbots Catalog)

Why catalog requests by mail were popular:

  1. Convenience: Consumers could browse and order products from the comfort of their own homes.
  2. Accessibility: Catalogs reached rural areas and remote locations where internet access was limited.
  3. Trust: Consumers trusted the printed word and the reputation of established companies.
  4. No pressure: Catalog shopping allowed consumers to take their time, without the pressure of sales associates.

The decline of catalog requests by mail:

  1. Rise of e-commerce: The internet and online shopping platforms made it easier and more convenient for consumers to shop online.
  2. Increased competition: The proliferation of online retailers and social media platforms reduced the need for printed catalogs.
  3. Environmental concerns: The environmental impact of printing and mailing catalogs became a concern for consumers and companies alike.
  4. 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.