By: Steph Dlugon
The mail order catalog has been the workhorse for retailers ever since Ben Franklin came up with the idea for it in 1744. Today the catalog as we know it may be an endangered species for 3 reasons.
1. Eco-aware consumers are shying away from contributing to the mountains of paper used for print catalogs.
2. The slumping economy is causing retailers to rethink the cost involved in presenting their products and services.
3. More and more consumers are doing their browsing and shopping online.
Retailers are starting to embrace smart phone apps as a viable solution to their marketing woes. They’re cost-effective, don’t kill trees and, simply stated, they’re pretty darn sexy. Consumers are sending a loud and clear message. They want new and exciting ways to shop.
A retail app can of course have a product catalog as its focal point. But it can also offer lots of features and functions that compel the customer to keep coming back.
I want to know what YOU think.
- Are glossy mail order catalogs a thing of the past?
- Would you buy a birthday present for your best friend using your smart phone?
- Do you currently have any retail apps installed on your mobile device?
- Is there a retailer you would like to see put out a shopping app?
