Definition of catalog marketing

merchandising of products through catalog sales. Formerly the domain of huge general merchandise retailers, such as Sears, Roebuck & Company or Spiegel, catalog marketing has become a field with thousands of specialty books. Both consumers and businesses can buy just about anything they need from a catalog. Leading categories include women's apparel, home, gifts and collectibles, electronics, and men's apparel. In 1997, over 14 billion catalogs were mailed in the United States. Catalog marketers spent about $11 billion in 1998 to generate over $87 billion in sales. Consumer sales represent about 61% of the total. In 1998, the catalog marketing industry employed over 455,000 people. Many catalog marketers are exploring channels other than mail to reach their customers. Catalogs can be found at book stores, magazine stands, specialty shops, and trade shows, and on the Internet. The major source of growth for the catalog marketing industry is expected to come from the Internet where experienced catalog marketers as well as traditional retailers are experimenting with on-line catalogs.