National Mail Order Catalog Day is celebrated annually on August 18 to honor the history and impact of mail-order catalogs. These catalogs revolutionized shopping by allowing customers to order products directly through the mail, long before the era of online shopping.
Quick Facts
- When is it? August 18
- Tagged as: Shopping, History, Nostalgia
- What’s the hashtag? #MailOrderCatalogDay
- When was it founded? Commemorates the first Montgomery Ward catalog in 1872
- Who founded it? Inspired by Aaron Montgomery Ward
History of National Mail Order Catalog Day
The day marks the anniversary of Aaron Montgomery Ward’s first mail-order catalog in 1872. This innovative concept aimed to eliminate middlemen and connect customers directly with products. Over time, catalogs like Sears Roebuck became iconic, offering everything from clothing to DIY house kits. Although largely replaced by online shopping today, mail-order catalogs remain a nostalgic symbol of convenience and innovation.
Timeline
- 1498: Aldus Pius Manutius publishes one of the earliest catalogs in Venice.
- 1744: Benjamin Franklin creates one of America’s first catalogs for books.
- 1872: Aaron Montgomery Ward launches his first catalog in Chicago.
- 1893: Sears Roebuck & Co. enters the catalog business.
- 1993: Sears discontinues its iconic catalog service.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 18 | Monday |
| 2026 | August 18 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | August 18 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | August 18 | Friday |
| 2029 | August 18 | Saturday |
| 2030 | August 18 | Sunday |
Observed
National Mail Order Catalog Day is observed by reflecting on the history of catalogs, exploring vintage editions, or sharing memories online using #MailOrderCatalogDay.
Fun Facts About National Mail Order Catalog Day
- Montgomery Ward introduced the “money-back guarantee” to build customer trust.
- In the early 1900s, Sears offered DIY house kits via its catalog—many still stand today.
- Hammacher Schlemmer is one of the oldest surviving catalog companies, established in 1848.
Quiz
- Who is credited with launching the first modern mail-order catalog?
- What year did Sears discontinue its catalog service?
- What hashtag is used to celebrate this day?
Answers:
- Aaron Montgomery Ward
- 1993
- #MailOrderCatalogDay
FAQs
Q: Why is National Mail Order Catalog Day celebrated on August 18?
A: It commemorates the anniversary of Aaron Montgomery Ward’s first catalog in 1872.
Q: Are mail-order catalogs still relevant today?
A: While less common due to online shopping, some companies still use them for niche markets and branding.
Q: What was unique about Sears’ catalogs?
A: They offered everything from clothes to entire house kits, making them revolutionary for their time.
Importance of National Mail Order Catalog Day
This day highlights how mail-order catalogs democratized shopping, bringing products to rural and remote areas while paving the way for modern e-commerce.
Related
- National Online Shopping Day
- National Nostalgia Day
- Retail History Month