Catalogs – what you need to know
The history of catalogs in Canada closely mirrors the development of catalogs in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States and Europe. Here's an overview of the key milestones in the history of catalogs in Canada:
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For those who love this sort of thing, here's a general overview of the history of catalogs in Canada:
1. **Early Trade and Commerce**: Like many other regions, Canada has a long history of trade and commerce, with Indigenous peoples engaging in barter and trade networks long before the arrival of European settlers. While formal catalogs may not have existed in pre-colonial Canada, trade goods were exchanged through various means of communication and commerce.
2. **Colonial Period**: During the colonial period, European settlers in Canada relied on informal networks of trade and barter. However, as settlements grew and commercial activities expanded, merchants began to advertise their goods through printed materials such as broadsides and posters.
3. **19th Century Expansion**: The 19th century saw significant growth in commerce and industry in Canada, spurred by factors such as immigration, urbanization, and the development of transportation networks. As in other parts of the world, this period witnessed the emergence of mail-order catalogs as a means of reaching customers in remote or rural areas.
4. **Imported Catalogs**: In the early to mid-19th century, Canadians often relied on catalogs from European and American merchants to purchase goods by mail order. These catalogs, such as those from Montgomery Ward and Sears, Roebuck and Co., offered a wide range of products and became popular among Canadian consumers.
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5. **Canadian Catalogs**: Canadian merchants soon began publishing their own catalogs to cater to domestic customers. One notable example is the T. Eaton Company, founded by Timothy Eaton in 1869. The company's catalog, known as the "Eaton's Catalogue," became a staple in Canadian households and played a significant role in shaping consumer culture in Canada.
6. **Expansion and Diversity**: Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the catalog industry in Canada expanded, with companies like Simpson's and Hudson's Bay Company also publishing catalogs to showcase their products. These catalogs offered a wide range of goods, from clothing and household items to farm equipment and machinery.
7. **Continued Importance**: Despite the rise of digital channels, printed catalogs remain a very important marketing tool for retailers in Canada. Print catalogs, particularly for specialty retailers and niche markets, continue to attract customers and drive sales. They are often on display inside the store, encouraging the customer to take the printed catalogue for future reference at their home or office.
Overall, the history of catalogs in Canada reflects broader trends in commerce, technology, and consumer behavior. From their origins in the 19th century to their digital evolution in the 21st century, catalogs have played a significant role in shaping retail marketing and commerce in Canada.
Jgraphx offers an extensive selection of catalogs in many sizes, materials and choice of quantities.