14 Department Store Catalogs That Were Better Than Any App
These nostalgic department store catalogs offered a magical shopping experience long before online apps took over.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Before scrolling through shopping apps became the norm, department store catalogs brought the magic straight to your doorstep. Thick, colorful, and packed with everything from toys to fancy furniture, these catalogs were pure excitement. Every page felt like a new adventure, sparking dreams of everything you could ever want. Here are 14 iconic catalogs that truly made shopping an event.
1. Sears Wish Book
Mike Kalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Few catalogs stirred up holiday excitement like the Sears Wish Book. Packed with toys, gadgets, and glittery gift ideas, flipping through its pages felt like pure magic. Every kid’s Christmas list practically wrote itself after a single look.
2. Montgomery Ward
Caldorwards4 on Wikimedia Commons
Before online shopping existed, Montgomery Ward delivered everything from furniture to fashion to your door. Their catalog made home shopping feel like a grand event. It was basically the Amazon of its time, but with more heart.
3. JCPenney’s Big Book
Windows for Noobies2 on Wikimedia Commons
JCPenney’s Big Book had styles for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. Its chunky pages were filled with trendy outfits, home décor, and even jewelry. It was like having your own fashion show on the living room floor.
4. Spiegel
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
If you wanted to feel fancy, Spiegel was the catalog you needed. It offered sleek styles, designer looks, and chic home goods, making every reader feel a little bit closer to luxury. Spiegel practically invented aspirational shopping.
5. Bloomingdale’s By Mail
Miosotis Jade on Wikimedia Commons
Bloomingdale’s catalog made New York City shopping accessible no matter where you lived. Each glossy page oozed sophistication and trendiness. It felt like bringing a piece of the Big Apple straight to your coffee table.
6. L.L.Bean
Anthony22 on Wikimedia Commons
Long before adventure gear filled Instagram ads, L.L. Bean’s catalog had rugged outdoor lovers covered. Jackets, boots, and camping supplies were front and center, and their sturdy offerings sparked countless family camping trips.
7. Alden’s
Jamo2008 on Wikimedia Commons
Alden’s catalog was a treasure chest for deal hunters. Offering clothes, appliances, and more at wallet-friendly prices, it made shopping guilt-free. Flipping through it felt like hitting the jackpot over and over again.
8. Best & Company
Gottscho-Schleisner Collection on Wikimedia Commons
Best & Company was the gold standard for children’s clothing. Their catalog showcased adorable, well-made outfits that parents trusted and kids actually liked. It captured the pure joy of getting dressed up for a special occasion.
9. FAO Schwarz
WhisperToMe on Wikimedia Commons
FAO Schwarz’s catalog was like a golden ticket to Toyland. Giant stuffed animals, intricate dollhouses, and wild playsets filled its pages. No kid could flip through it without dreaming up the ultimate birthday wishlist.
10. Neiman Marcus
Larry Hachucka on Wikimedia Commons
Neiman Marcus brought pure glam to the catalog game. From diamond jewelry to exotic gifts, every page felt larger than life. Even if you were just window shopping, it was the most elegant daydream ever.
11. IKEA
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Before clicking “add to cart” became routine, IKEA’s catalog made home makeovers feel doable. Its clean layouts and quirky designs inspired endless Saturday projects. Every page invited you to imagine a whole new life setup.
12. Toys “R” Us
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The Toys “R” Us catalog was pure adrenaline for kids. From action figures to bikes, every page burst with color and fun. It was basically a guidebook for begging parents all year long.
13. Service Merchandise
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Service Merchandise combined catalogs and showroom magic like no other. You circled what you wanted, then picked it up at the counter like a VIP. It made shopping feel like a treasure hunt.
14. Fingerhut
Taken from fingerhut.com on Wikimedia Commons
Fingerhut’s catalog promised you could afford anything thanks to flexible payments. Bright, lively pages offered electronics, clothes, and home goods that felt within reach. It was hope wrapped up in a cardboard envelope.