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The Connected Catalog Renaissance: The Evolution and Resurgence of Printed Catalogs

Once considered relics of pre-internet commerce, catalogs are evolving into sophisticated marketing tools that bridge physical and digital experiences. Contributing editor Don Carli looks at the resurgence.

Monday, March 24, 2025

Once considered relics of pre-internet commerce, catalogs are evolving into sophisticated marketing tools that bridge physical and digital experiences. This resurgence represents not just nostalgia, but a strategic response to digital fatigue and the enduring power of tactile brand experiences. This article provides print service providers with insights into the growing and changing demand for B2C and B2B direct mail catalogs, along with steps they can take to support brands with innovative catalog solutions to support the business case for enhanced digital integrations, expanded gamut color, tactile embellishments and more.

According to NEMOA and the Winterberry Group's 2025 report "The Evolution of Connected Commerce,"the U.S. catalog market represents a significant segment of marketing spending:

In the B2C segment, growth will focus on specialty retail, luxury goods, and direct-to-consumer brands that use catalogs for storytelling rather than complete product inventories. Luxury retailers like J.Crew, Patagonia, Willams Sonoma, and Tiffany’s. report bi-monthly sales lifts of 25% or more from omni-channel campaigns employing connected catalogs that tell stories in addition to listing products for sale.


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About Don Carli

Don Carli is Senior Consulting Editor at WhatTheyThink.com, and President and Co-founder of Nima Hunter Inc., a strategic advisory firm serving brands, OEMs, and print service providers. With deep expertise in technology and market trends, Don and the Nima Hunter Inc. team provide insights that inform the development of forward-looking product and marketing strategies. Nima Hunter Inc.'s data-driven analytical approach combines strategic foresight with quantitative and qualitative insights to deliver marketing solutions that help clients navigate industry transitions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

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