Retailers Are Rediscovering the Power of Printed Catalogs
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
Published by Journal Graphics | July 11, 2025
In a world dominated by digital advertising and email campaigns, it might come as a surprise that many top retailers are returning to a classic marketing tool: the printed catalog.
From Amazon to J.Crew and Nordstrom, major brands are investing once again in high-quality, beautifully designed catalogs—and they’re seeing results.
Why Printed Catalogs Work
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, has been mailing holiday toy catalogs for several years now—complete with rich visuals and tear-out wish lists. J.Crew, a brand long known for its stylish print catalogs, has reintroduced physical editions after stepping back from them during the height of digital-first marketing. Meanwhile, Nordstrom publishes seasonal lookbooks and anniversary sale catalogs, which showcase their commitment to affordable luxury and prominence as a classic lifestyle brand through high fashion photography, experimental layouts, and bold typography. And they’re not alone: brands like Wayfair, Restoration Hardware, and Anthropologie continue to embrace catalog marketing as a powerful customer engagement tool.
So why the shift?
Why Printed Catalogs Work
1. Nostalgia & Emotional Connection
For many customers, flipping through a printed catalog evokes a sense of nostalgia. It brings back the excitement of browsing seasonal mailings or dog-earing pages to revisit later. That emotional touchpoint is something digital simply can’t replicate.
2. Tangible, Premium Experience
A well-printed catalog feels luxurious. The texture, weight, and layout create a multisensory experience that reflects your brand’s value. In a time when digital clutter is constant, holding a physical piece in your hands stands out.
3. Deeper Brand Engagement
Printed catalogs allow customers to engage with your brand in a more focused way—away from screen distractions and pop-up ads. They invite lingering attention and leave a lasting impression.
The Data Backs It Up
A Harvard Business Review study* found that customers who received both a physical catalog and email marketing purchased 24% more than those who received email alone. This shows that combining print and digital can amplify your message and significantly boost ROI.
Ready to Reconnect with Your Audience?
At Journal Graphics, we specialize in high-quality commercial printing that brings your brand to life. From concept to production to mailing, our team can help you create stunning, impactful catalogs that captivate your audience and drive results.
Let’s bring your brand back into your customers’ hands.
Contact us today to start your next catalog project. - salesinquiry@journalgraphics.com
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* Zhang, J. Z. (2022, July 19). How paper catalogs remain relevant in a digital age.
Harvard Business Review.
https://hbr.org/2022/07/how-paper-catalogs-remain-relevant-in-a-digital-age