Holiday Catalogs Are Back — And NBC News Is Taking Notice
For years, digital marketing has dominated the holiday shopping season. But this year, something familiar is reappearing in mailboxes — and it’s making headlines.
In a recent NBC News segment, retailers and consumers alike are celebrating the return of the printed holiday catalog, a format many once thought was a thing of the past. The story highlights how brands are reintroducing catalogs to stand out during the busiest shopping season of the year — and why customers are responding.
The video points to a growing sense of screen fatigue among shoppers. With inboxes, ads, and notifications constantly competing for attention, printed catalogs offer something different: a slower, more intentional way to browse. Shoppers interviewed in the segment say flipping through a catalog feels less stressful and more enjoyable than scrolling online. The simple act of turning pages, circling favorites, and leaving a catalog on the coffee table creates repeated brand touchpoints — something digital ads rarely achieve.
According to NBC News, major retailers are bringing catalogs back because they work. Catalogs do more than showcase products — they tell a story. They allow brands to guide the shopping experience, highlight seasonal collections, and inspire gift ideas in a curated, visual way. The segment also emphasizes that today’s catalogs aren’t replacing digital channels; they’re complementing them. Many include QR codes and direct links, making it easy for shoppers to move seamlessly from print to online purchasing.
NBC News makes one thing clear: this comeback isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about impact.
Printed catalogs:
Stay in homes longer than digital ads stay on screens
Are shared among family members
Encourage browsing without distractions
Create a tangible brand presence during a crowded season
For businesses, especially during the holidays, that kind of staying power matters.
At Royle Printing, we’re seeing this trend firsthand. The renewed interest in catalogs reinforces what print professionals have long known — print continues to deliver real value when it’s done well.
The NBC News story highlights a shift in how brands think about marketing today: not digital or print, but digital and print working together. High-quality catalogs help brands cut through the noise, connect emotionally with customers, and drive action both in-store and online.
This holiday season, print isn’t just back — it’s making an impact.
Watch the story here: https://www.nbcnews.com/video/holiday-catalogs-making-a-comeback-this-season-254373445868