Retailers Downsize Holiday Catalogs Amid Costs

This holiday season, many retailers are reducing the size of their printed catalogs in response to rising postal rates and changing consumer shopping habits. Brands like Lands' End and Duluth Trading Company are transitioning to smaller formats, including postcard-like mailings, to cut costs associated with postage and paper. The U.S. Postal Service's recent price increase of 7.8% has further accelerated this trend, prompting companies to seek more economical mailing options. Although the number of catalogs mailed has significantly decreased over recent years, retailers are adapting by incorporating QR codes and promotional offers to maintain relevance in a digital shopping landscape. Despite these changes, traditional catalogs continue to serve as a marketing tool, demonstrating their enduring value even in the face of technological evolution.