The 1942 Sears Christmas Book

Unearth a treasured piece of nostalgia with our rare facsimile of the original 1942 Sears Christmas Catalog. Get transported back in time and experience the joy of mail-order catalog shopping during the holiday season. An extraordinary find for collectors and history buffs alike. For generations, the much-anticipated arrival of the Sears gift catalog signaled the start of the holiday season. This faithful facsimile of the retailer's 1942 Christmas edition offers a nostalgia-inducing chance to relive those bygone years when turning the pages of a catalog could excite young minds with dreams of a shiny toy truck or a new doll under the tree. A unique collectible, The 1942 Sears Christmas Book also provides an interesting look at how merchandise has evolved over the years. In 1942, Sears shoppers could purchase toys as well as housewares, clothes, furniture, candy, and gifts to send to servicemen (all at prices that now seem astonishingly low). The wartime catalog even includes information about the importance of saving scrap metal for munitions and encourages readers to buy war bonds. A new Introduction by Ben B. Judd, Jr., PhD., the former chair of the University of New Haven Department of Marketing and International Business, provides thought-provoking insights into the catalog's importance to rural America and the recent downfall of the retail giant. Vintage War-time catalog of 1942: Step back in time with this faithful replica of the WWII-era Sears catalog. Take a look into what types of goods were available and how prices have changed over the years! A nostalgic glimpse into the past of consumer goods: An incredible piece of history, this book is sure to evoke fond memories for generations of readers. Be awed by the variety of clothing, furniture, hardware, jewelry, toys, and novelty gifts available for family members of all ages during the holiday season. Merchandise evolution: Compare merchandise from the early twentieth century to the present day, witnessing first-hand the development and progress made in innovation and technology. Learn how items were promoted during a period of redefined consumerism due to World War II restrictions. Information on saving scrap metal and buying war bonds: As a reminder of the importance of service, shoppers could find information on donating scrap metal to help munitions production and how to purchase war bonds to help fund military efforts during World War II. American History: Dig deeper into the mail-order business with a new Introduction written by Ben B. Judd Jr., PhD, providing compelling insight into how vital this catalog was to rural America.