In 1888, Sears, Roebuck & Co. introduced the first mail-order catalog, transforming the way rural Americans accessed goods. This innovative marketing strategy allowed consumers to purchase a wide range of products from the comfort of their homes, significantly altering consumption patterns. The catalog not only democratized access to goods but also laid the groundwork for modern retail practices and e-commerce.

The introduction of the first mail-order catalog by Sears in 1888 democratized access to literature, changing the landscape of consumer culture. Modernist poets began to parody the commercial language of these catalogs, critiquing the commodification of art and literature.