Ben Silver Launches Shoe, Leathergoods Catalog
Upscale apparel and accessories merchant Ben Silver hit the mail with its first Fine Shoes & Leathergoods catalog. While Ben Silver sells classic men's and women's clothing and accessories in its core catalog, retail stores and on its website, the new catalog focuses on men's footwear and accessories only. The rationale behind the offering is explained on the inside front cover of the square catalog: "We are delighted to offer our first catalog entirely devoted to fine shoes and leather goods. This extensive collection has grown so much that we believe we can do greater justice to its depth in a very focused catalog." The 72-page book features loafers, oxfords, wingtips, boots and other shoes from makers including Alden and Crockett & Jones ($215 - $685). Other items include socks ($28 - $48), belts ($47.50 - $380), slippers ($105 - $125) and briefcases ($530 - $845). Throughout the catalog, nostalgia-tinged copy, credited to fashion writer G. Bruce Boyer, brings elegant life to the items, as in his write-up of a pair of white bucks and a pair of saddle shoes that begins, "The shoes of summer... think of Fred Astaire in natty flannels and navy blazer or a tan gab suit." A spread toward the middle of the catalog aims to educate consumers with "The Elements of a Fine Shoe - The Inside Story." An exploded view labels the various shoe parts and explains components like vamps, welts and insoles. Another section covers a $180 shoe restoration offer for customers. Orders can be placed by mail, phone or online at BenSilver.com.

Animal Save Seeks Founding Members with Freemium Packages
Two recent mailings from the animal rescue nonprofit Animal Save International feature different creatives, but both offer animal-themed freemiums as donation incentives. A tan 5-1/2" x 8" package asks, "If you gave $10 to save the lives of animals, which animals would it be?" followed by check boxes labeled "Kittens," "Puppies," "Tigers," "Elephants" or "All of the Above" (checked off in red.) The package also shows images of the wide variety of animals that the fundraiser strives to help, from wildlife like a lion or elephant to family pets. Inside, a personalized notepad and address label freemium accompany a letter describing the plight of abandoned tigers in California, former circus elephants in Tennessee and pets left behind in New Orleans. A second package takes a more urgent, emotional tone, and focuses only on domesticated animals. The 5-3/4" x 8-1/2" white envelope's teaser asks, "If you were told to save yourself and leave your family member behind to face almost certain death, could you do it?" "Would you do it?" is positioned below a photo of a cat. On the reverse, an image of a forlorn looking dog cowering in water accompanies text introducing a free gift and "...how You can prevent the needless death of both animals and people." An enclosed letter focuses on the impact Hurricane Katrina had on animals and their owners and references the five enclosed Family Friends notecards freemium illustrated with images of dogs and cats. Both packages solicit donations along the $5/$8/$10/$12/other ask ladder; the $10 amount is circled.

Jack's Country Store Celebrates 121 Years
The latest catalog from Jack's Country Store, one of Washington state's oldest retailers, promotes the general merchandiser's lengthy history of providing reliable products for the home and farm. The cover of the Spring & Summer 2006 edition informs shoppers that the store has been serving customers since 1885 and is celebrating its 121st year in business. A series of introductory paragraphs on the inside cover highlight several of the product categories offered by Jack's and are paired with five photographs of the store from the past 100+ years. Jack's promises the best quality cast iron cookware, kerosene lamps, vintage toys, kitchen gadgets and nostalgic candy. While “folks from the big city” have been known to describe the store as "unorthodox, outdated, or quaint," the company takes these characterizations as a compliment. Throughout the 88-page catalog, items are divided by use from kids gardening tools to household cleaners. The page layouts give ample space to product descriptions and have an old-fashioned appeal. Prices range from $7.99 for a 2" wooden serving spatula to $895 for a Vantage Pro Plus home weather station. Orders can be placed by mail, phone or online at JacksCountryStore.com. All orders have a standard shipping charge of $5; orders of $250 or more receive free shipping. The catalog also welcomes suggestions and provides driving directions to its coastal Washington headquarters.

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