My grandmother used to get a bunch of catalogs in the mail. Keep in mind that this was back before the Home Shopping Network existed. We had infomercials, but that was about it. Billy Mays and the Slap-Chop guy still had at least a decade before they’d become common household names.
I remember the catalogs because they always had unique products in them. I didn’t realize at the time those products were designed for people with:
- Discretionary income
- Lots of time on their hands
- Age-related afflictions
When I moved out on my own and realized that perusing catalogs is significantly easier (and less painful on the wallet) than browsing Amazon or strolling the aisles of Circuit City or Best Buy (I told you this was a while ago, didn’t I?), I subscribed to these catalogs myself. And that’s when I realized those three truths.
Sharper Image and Hammacher Schlemmer
These catalogs are for those with too much discretionary income. They’re like the SkyMall catalog on airplanes. Ridiculously expensive, ludicrous, yet somehow cool stuff that you might want to say you own but never actually want to purchase.
Oriental Trading Company, Colorful Images, and Current
Need to send a card for … any reason at all? Planning a big party for an upcoming holiday? Need a puzzle to keep you busy because you don’t have anything else to do? Pick up one of these bad boys and you’ll find dozens of things you didn’t know you needed.
Collections, Etc., Harriet Carter and Miles Kimball
Oh boy. If you want a house mu-mu, a tool to help you get into the backseat of your car, or even some help in the *cough (adult) cough* pleasure department, these guys have your back.
God bless these companies for keeping direct mail alive and kicking in America.