This blog is inspired by the audio story “Why retailers like Amazon and J.Crew are reviving holiday catalogs” by NPR’s Marketplace.
In a world where every brand is fighting for attention online, one surprising marketing channel is making a strong comeback: the print catalog. Yes, that classic, page-turning piece of inspiration is once again landing in mailboxes—and it’s working. A recent report by the NPR show Marketplace explains how brands like J.Crew and Amazon are bringing catalogs back for the holiday season, and why more businesses should follow their lead. (You can listen to the full story here.)
Why catalogs are working again
Consumers today are overwhelmed by digital noise—emails, ads, notifications, and pop-ups. A printed catalog breaks through that clutter. It gives customers a tactile, visual, and emotional experience that a screen can’t replicate. Research shows that customers who receive both a catalog and digital messages purchase significantly more—up to 24% higher sales in some studies.
Here are the main reasons catalogs are regaining traction:
- They stand out: In a digital inbox stuffed with ads, a well-designed catalog feels special and personal.
- They connect emotionally: Turning the pages of a beautiful catalog creates a sense of discovery and nostalgia. People remember what they see in print longer than what they scroll past online.
- They complement digital marketing: Today’s catalogs link directly to online shopping via QR codes or custom URLs—creating a seamless bridge between print and digital.
- They strengthen your brand: A catalog gives you space to tell your story, show off your products in lifestyle settings, and position your brand as premium and trustworthy.
Examples from top retailers
- J.Crew has relaunched its iconic catalog with a magazine-like look and feel. Instead of frequent issues, it now produces fewer, higher-quality editions that inspire shoppers and reinforce brand identity.
- Amazon, the digital retail giant, has printed toy catalogs for families during the holidays—bringing a nostalgic experience to households while guiding them back online to shop.
These brands aren’t just being nostalgic—they’re using print strategically to drive measurable results.
How your business can benefit
If you sell products or services—especially around the holidays—a targeted print catalog can be one of the most effective ways to engage customers. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, home services, or B2B sales, here’s how catalogs can work for you:
- Drive traffic and sales: Use catalogs to highlight bestsellers, bundle seasonal products, or promote limited offers that drive urgency.
- Reach your best customers: Mail your catalog to your top prospects and loyal customers, not everyone. Modern targeting tools make it easy to reach the right audience.
- Integrate with your website and social media: Add QR codes, short URLs, or even augmented-reality features to connect print with digital instantly.
- Build credibility and trust: High-quality print materials tell customers that your brand is established, professional, and invested in their experience.
- Maximize return on investment: Combining catalogs with digital follow-up emails or online ads can significantly increase conversions and lifetime customer value.
How B&B Printing can help
At B&B Printing, we’re seeing renewed demand for beautifully designed, data-driven catalogs that make a real impact. Our team can help you:
- Create cost-effective formats that meet postal guidelines and save on mailing costs.
- Use our wide offering of printing and finishing techniques to make your catalog stand out.
- Manage your mailing from start to finish, ensuring your catalog lands in the right hands at the right time.
The takeaway
Print catalogs aren’t a thing of the past—they’re a proven way to connect with customers in a meaningful, memorable way. By combining the power of print with digital targeting and analytics, you can create an omni-channel experience that drives real results this holiday season and beyond.
Ready to stand out in your customers’ mailboxes?
Let B&B Printing help you deliver a catalog campaign that gets noticed, remembered, and acted on. Contact us or Get a Quote on your next project.
Listen to the full Marketplace story: Why retailers like Amazon and J.Crew are reviving holiday catalogs.