Catalogs

I'd like to talk about catalogs. Are they helpful? Do they generate unreasonable and unfulfillable wishes? Do they annoy you? What about a catalog that offers one thing you not only want but really need in a sea of junk? Do you order that thing or do without to avoid future catalogs?

I received a catalog called Ginny's yesterday for the second time in several years. I think the first came to my previous address. This one came with a large type-face notice, "THIS MAY BE YOUR LAST CATALOG!" Well, if it is, good. While Ginny does offer some useful items (shelves that you put on your kitchen counter to hold, for example, your canisters which then create a second level of storage for small items) and some pretty things (plates that look like large, flat red apples), many of the items either tend toward the ridiculous (octagon shaped frying pans?! or paisley print saucepans?!) or are things I do not use (non-stick pans). The shelves can be purchased elsewhere and I do not need plates, so I will ask that the company stop sending me their catalog.

I've asked NorthStyle, a woman's clothier, to stop sending their catalog. Most of their styles aren't mine and the few things I might buy I can purchase in stores where I live.

I would be more inclined, if I had more money, to buy a few things from Orvis for Women. They offer beautiful silk blouses and practical vests, a garment I like for a little extra warmth, to create a dressier look and to add some color to my outfits. However, some of the Orvis offerings are, frankly, what I might consider too "old lady." I would never wear crinkle cloth, a sort of prewrinkled cotton. Others look too preppy, a reminder of finishing school girls from the late 50s. If I give in and buy a silk blouse or a vest, will I regret the lifetime of catalogs that will follow?

Thankfully, I no longer receive the catalogs that sell hats proclaiming the wearer an "old fart" or jokey bottle openers.

On the other hand, some beautiful catalogs might cross your threshold just once, but, if you do not order, they will never appear again. A British manufacturer of cashmere sweaters and accessories, called Pure, sent me a catalog three years ago. I wish I could have settled on one item because the catalog hasn't re-appeared. (I went to their website where they offer you the British and American versions with a click of the mouse.) While I can't afford to buy anything now, the issue is would I have ever known about the company if I hadn't received a catalog? And, yes, not being able to purchase anything moots the issue.

I haven't bought anything from LLBean this year, but, I have nothing to worry about: their catalogs come, rain or shine, boom economy or recession.

I love King Arthur flour and use nothing else. However, I just do not use mixes, even KA mixes. Some of the goods KA offers, such as tapioca flour, are difficult to find elsewhere, so the catalog is valuable. I personally do not need a monthly book from them. I have written and suggested an annual catalog with flyers as updates for price changes and seasonal merchandise (Halloween cupcake papers and Christmas sugar), but, they never responded. They did shrink the size of their catalog to reduce paper use. I personally do not feel a monthly dispatch about Bensdorp cocoa or Bakewell Cream or biscuit cutters that never change is really the best way for KA to market its products. I know where these things are.

Then there are the catalogs that come with an order. I bought my granddaughters things from Magic Cabin and Hearthsong, related companies, for Christmas. I had them sent to me rather than directly to the kids because I wanted to see them first. As it turned out, one item was flawed and had to be replaced and another was disappointing. With each shipment, I received a copy of the catalog. Since the companies are related, some items are available through both catalogs. I like the firm and have patronized it for years, but one catalog is enough.