Essence by mail catalog shopping
The nostalgia! Essence by Mail was a popular catalog shopping experience in the 90s and early 2000s. Here's a brief overview:
What was Essence by Mail?
Essence by Mail was a direct-to-consumer catalog shopping service that offered a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, home goods, and more. The company was founded in 1985 and was known for its affordable prices, trendy products, and convenient shopping experience.
How did it work?
Customers would receive a catalog in the mail, which featured a vast selection of products. They could browse through the catalog, circle the items they wanted to purchase, and then mail in the order form with a check or credit card information. The products would then be shipped directly to their doorstep.
What kind of products did they offer?
Essence by Mail offered a wide range of products, including:
- Clothing: trendy tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear for women and girls
- Accessories: jewelry, hats, scarves, belts, and bags
- Home goods: kitchenware, bedding, towels, and decorative items
- Beauty and personal care: skincare, haircare, fragrances, and makeup
- Toys and games: puzzles, dolls, action figures, and board games
Why was it popular?
Essence by Mail was popular for several reasons:
- Convenience: customers could shop from the comfort of their own homes, without having to physically visit a store
- Affordability: prices were generally lower than those found in traditional retail stores
- Trendy products: Essence by Mail offered the latest fashion trends and styles, making it a go-to destination for fashion-conscious consumers
- Easy returns: if customers were not satisfied with their purchases, they could easily return them by mail
What happened to Essence by Mail?
In the early 2000s, Essence by Mail began to struggle financially, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 2003. The brand was eventually acquired by another company, which continued to operate the business for a few more years before ultimately discontinuing the catalog shopping service.
Legacy
Although Essence by Mail is no longer in operation, it remains a nostalgic reminder of the early days of online shopping and the convenience of catalog shopping. Many people still fondly remember browsing through the Essence by Mail catalog and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new purchases.