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Freemans Catalogue: A Christmas Ritual Ends
10 Dec
Summary
- Freemans catalogue, established in 1905, ceased printing after 118 years.
- It reached peak success in the 70s and 80s, serving over two million homes.
- The catalogue featured stars like Twiggy, Lulu, and brands like Adidas and Nike.
The Freemans catalogue, a long-standing institution in British homes since its establishment in 1905, has officially stopped printing after 118 years. This move marks the end of an era for the once-dominant mail-order giant, which became a cherished part of Christmas traditions for generations.
During its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, the catalogue was a substantial publication, often exceeding 1,000 pages. It was delivered to over two million households twice annually, offering a wide array of fashion, beauty products, toys, and household items. Many will recall the tactile experience of browsing its pages and circling desired gifts, a festive ritual that connected families with the latest trends and brands like Adidas and Nike.
Despite adapting to the digital age by launching a website in 1997, the physical catalogue eventually succumbed to changing consumer habits. The company's CEO cited the need to 'move with the times' as the reason for its cessation. Its closure signifies the end of a significant chapter in retail history, with former employees recalling the 80s as the company's most glamorous period.
