In todayโs increasingly digital world, the power of print is making an exciting comeback, even in some of the biggest retail names. On October 30, NBCโs TODAY Show highlighted how brands like J. Crew and Neiman Marcus are returning to an โold-schoolโ marketing strategy: printed catalogs. The shift is part of a larger trend where major retailers are looking for more personal, tangible ways to engage customers, moving beyond the digital inbox and back to the physical mailbox.
This new wave of catalogs, however, is more elevated than ever before. J. Crewโs latest catalog, for example, is styled more like a high-end fashion magazine than a traditional catalog. With rich layouts, interviews, and QR codes that offer digital tie-ins, it bridges the best of both worlds by adding interactive elements to the printed page. According to J. Crew, this modernized approach has led to a 20% rise in reactivated customers, highlighting how the new format resonates strongly with consumers.
As digital fatigue grows, printed materials are becoming a refreshing way for brands to stand out and reconnect with consumers. Catalogs are tactile, interactive, and encourage a more thoughtful and leisurely browsing experience. They also give retailers a unique opportunity to showcase their brand’s personality and craftsmanship through curated layouts and high-quality printing techniques. This re-emergence of print proves that tangible materials have a staying power and impact that digital canโt always replicate.
This trend back toward printed catalogs reflects a deeper consumer desire for meaningful, sensory experiences in an increasingly virtual world. Catalogs invite people to slow down, flip through pages, and immerse themselves in a brandโs story in a way that digital media doesnโt always allow. As more retailers embrace print, itโs clear that the tactile nature of a beautifully designed catalog can provide a lasting impression that resonates well beyond the mailbox.
To watch NBCโs full story, check out the video from the TODAY Show above.
