14 Shopping Catalogs We Waited Months to Arrive
These catalogs built anticipation for weeks, and flipping through them felt like opening a present straight from the mailbox.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before digital shopping carts, catalogs were the most exciting way to browse new products. Certain catalogs even became traditions that families looked forward to year after year. They weren’t just booklets; they were cultural events that defined shopping in a pre-internet world.
1. LL Bean
Leonora (Ellie) Enking on Flickr
LL Bean’s catalog brought the great outdoors right to your living room. Famous for flannel shirts, boots, and rugged camping gear, it made adventure feel accessible.
2. Eddie Bauer
bargainmoose on Wikimedia Commons
Eddie Bauer’s catalog leaned into outdoorsy yet fashionable clothing. It featured coats, backpacks, and gear perfect for weekends in the wilderness or casual wear in town.
3. Orvis
Thomson200 on Wikimedia Commons
Known for its focus on fishing, hunting, and nature-inspired products, Orvis delivered a catalog steeped in tradition. It carried everything from fly rods to country clothing.
4. Cabela’s
TheZachMorrisExperience on Wikimedia Commons
Cabela’s catalog was massive, covering everything from camo jackets to tents and crossbows. It was less about trends and more about utility for hunting and outdoor sports.
5. Patagonia
Sam Beebe on Flickr
Patagonia’s catalog stood out with its eco-friendly message and sleek outdoor designs. It wasn’t just about jackets; it was about a lifestyle of adventure and sustainability.
6. Abercrombie & Fitch (Pre-Mall Era)
Rowanlovescars on Wikimedia Commons
Before its mall dominance, Abercrombie & Fitch was a high-end sporting goods company. Its catalog was filled with luxury outdoor wear, fishing gear, and elite travel items.
7. Chadwick’s of Boston
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Chadwick’s catalogs were a favorite among women looking for affordable yet stylish clothes. Known for its dresses and business-casual looks, it offered city fashion on a budget.
8. Newport News
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
This catalog focused heavily on women’s apparel with a playful, trendy edge. Its pages often featured bright colors and bold designs that mirrored the styles of the time.
9. Delia’s
Mike Mozart on Flickr
In the ’90s, teens lived for the Delia’s catalog. It was quirky, fun, and perfectly in tune with youth culture, showcasing funky clothes, platform shoes, and pop-inspired accessories.
10. Hammacher Schlemmer
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Known for oddball gadgets and luxury items, Hammacher Schlemmer catalogs were like treasure chests. From foot massagers to futuristic electronics, it offered products you didn’t know you wanted.
11. LL Bean Holiday Edition
Niceckhart on Wikimedia Commons
Separate from the standard catalog, the holiday version felt special. Stockings, flannel pajamas, and cozy winter gear filled its pages.
12. Neiman Marcus Christmas Book
Dfwcre8tive on Wikimedia Commons
This catalog wasn’t just about gifts; it was about extravagance. Famous for outrageous “fantasy gifts” like private planes or luxury cars, it was fun to flip through even if you couldn’t afford a thing.
13. Harry & David
Willis Lam on Flickr
Focused on gourmet food and gift baskets, Harry & David’s catalog was a mouthwatering arrival. Seasonal fruit boxes, chocolates, and gift towers filled its glossy spreads.
14. The Vermont Country Store
Paul Kentish on Flickr
This catalog specialized in nostalgic, hard-to-find products. From old-fashioned candies to classic nightgowns, it felt like a trip back in time.