While online product catalogs are great for e-Commerce and/or online sales for brick-and-mortar stores, there are still advantages to printing physical product catalogs. In the current hyper-digital era, a physical piece that the customer can leaf through is a perfect complement to an online presence because:
It can be kept and shared easily. By their nature, online catalogs require a stable internet connection and either a computer or mobile device to access. A physical piece can continuously remind the customer of the brand and its products without being online.
They can be released several times a year and create anticipation and excitement for customers. For example, a print catalog could be used to release a new collection for each season, before adding the items to the online store.
Print catalogs can be mailed, either upon request or, as mentioned above, per a schedule or for special occasions (for example, a special edition Christmas catalog sent out in November).
They are a perfect opportunity to promote a company, brand, product line, etc. You can include additional content like a mission statement, company profile, or details of why a particular product/product line is unique.
It is another chance to reinforce company's branding through the layout, colours, pictures, and content.
Printed catalogs can include special finishes, textured paper, and other tactile elements that are only possible to experience physically.
They are the perfect tool to promote specific products, collections, or even a lifestyle associated with the products in a targeted way. For example, the idea of a "Look Book" is still very popular. Different products are presented in a real-life way to allow customers to envision themselves with various items. It can also give them ideas on using something they might have already purchased. This can add value to their experience beyond just the product they bought.
Integrations with an online store can be built into the printed catalog, creating a seamless and more immersive buying experience. There are different ways to link the physical experience to the online store and increase sales. QR codes bring the reader directly to the product page. Coupon or discount codes for customers to use online are very popular. Promotions (such as "buy one, get one" or "free item with online purchase") can also attract customers.
These can also create a community feeling with customers if coupons and promotions are only available to those who get/have the catalog.