Clothing catalogs are a staple part of of modern life, selling everything from underclothes to outerwear; from hats to shoes; and everything in between. There are also clothing catalogs specializing in every age and gender, from maternity and preemie clothing to catalogs aimed at the elderly; from petite sizes to big and tall; from modern clothing to clothing for reenactors. Clothing catalogs also sometimes carry accessories and other personal care items. Some catalogs are published by large brick and mortar stores; others operate only as catalogs (and usually websites). They may ship from their own facilities or from the warehouses of the companies whose brands they carry.

Catalog companies have their original roots in the expansion of the American West, when early pioneers would sometimes settle hundreds of miles or several days' ride from the nearest store. The Sears & Roebuck Company and Montgomery Ward Company two of the earliest pioneers of bringing the store to the customer via mail coaches, and later trains.www.searsarchives.com/catalogs/history.htmwww.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Montgomery-Ward-amp;-Co-Incorporated-Company-History.html

As the nation expanded, companies like Spiegel began publishing their own catalogs.www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2857.html During the Great Depression, and later in the economic downturn of the 70s, various entrepreneurs began their own small catalog companies, because it was cheaper than buying or renting store space, and the potential customer base was much greater. Companies like Lillian Vernon, The Swiss Colony, and Miles Kimball got their starts during or immediately after the Great Depression selling innovative and interesting but inexpensive items. Later, companies like Lands' End, Chadwicks of Boston, The Smarter Image joined what turned out to be a boom for catalog companies, starting in the 70s but growing rapidly in the 80s and continuing to this day.e-sgh.pl/cia/DMhisotry.doc These were the days before Internet access was common, so catalog sales were the way to reach the largest number of people. Most catalog companies today also have sales websites.business.highbeam.com/industry-reports/industry/catalog-mail-order-houses

Shipping and Handling varies by company and state. Charges may be bundled. Many companies offer choice of shipping, and because of the ubiquity of Internet access, many companies offer trackable shipping. Free shipping and/or handling is sometimes used as a sales incentive.

Return policies vary by company. Few companies will refuse returns outright because it is bad customer service; however most companies do have time frames in which to accept a return. Many companies specify the condition an item must be in in order to be returned. Most companies have a procedure to follow.