The official relaunching of J. Crew’s iconic print catalog begs the question: are retro catalogs about to come back in a big way? Many of us remember the massive influence held by the Sears catalog before its retirement in 1993, which helped establish the brand’s dominance in the American market throughout much of the 20th century.
In the 21st century, many retailers ceased the production of their consumer catalogs and began focusing their efforts on digital marketing strategies such as email and web advertisements. With the rise of smartphone technology, it made sense to reach consumers where they are and save on printing and mailing costs. However, this trend may be shifting before our eyes.
In this segment from The Today Show, the reporters discuss the return of J. Crew’s catalog and the resulting rise in consumer engagement. In the words of J. Crew’s Men’s Creative Director, Brendon Babenzien, “It feels like now’s a really nice time to see something different and to touch something and flip through it and actually live with it, because digital stuff is so fast.” In recent years, global retailer Amazon also recently introduced its own print catalog, in an effort to give consumers a tactile browsing experience and ultimately drive them to purchase items on their website.
The Power of B2B Printed Magazines
Though they may not hold a special place in the hearts of the American Public like the consumer catalogs mentioned above, B2B magazines can be a powerful tool for building brand awareness and increasing revenue. For example, Steiner Tractor Parts built goodwill for their brand by holding a photo contest and printing the winning photos in their annual catalog, as well as offering its readers a 99-cent Steiner hat, available to order through the catalog.
Build Your Next Catalog With Walsworth
If you’re looking for an expert catalog printer for your next project, Walsworth is ready to help. With over 87 years of experience, we can help you launch your B2B catalog or take your existing project to the next level. And with digital capabilities, we can help you combine printed and digital catalogs for maximum reach. If you’d like to know more about how Walsworth can help you engage your audience in new ways, get in touch with us or request a free quote today.
