scorecardAmazon is mailing out a toy catalog to millions of customers as it capitalizes on the struggles of Sears and Toys R Us - here's what it's like
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Amazon is mailing out a toy catalog to millions of customers as it capitalizes on the struggles of Sears and Toys R Us - here's what it's like

Amazon's toy catalog, called "A Holiday of Play," is reminiscent of toy catalogs once distributed by Sears and Toys R Us.

Amazon is mailing out a toy catalog to millions of customers as it capitalizes on the struggles of Sears and Toys R Us - here's what it's like

The first two pages of the catalog have information about shipping and returns, the Amazon app, Prime, and other features.

The first two pages of the catalog have information about shipping and returns, the Amazon app, Prime, and other features.

Amazon's top toys, which include Lego sets, toy cars, and action figures, are listed at the front of the catalog.

Amazon

The top toys also include plush toys, Nerf guns, and board games.

The top toys also include plush toys, Nerf guns, and board games.

Some of the pages in the toy catalog are themed, like this page that has an assortment of Marvel toys ...

Some of the pages in the toy catalog are themed, like this page that has an assortment of Marvel toys ...

... or this Disney-themed page.

... or this Disney-themed page.

Other pages feature specific categories, like the section dedicated to plush toys ...

Other pages feature specific categories, like the section dedicated to plush toys ...

... or the section that's dedicated to board games.

... or the section that

Many pages had information about returns. Shoppers can get a full refund within 30 days for new, unopened products.

Many pages had information about returns. Shoppers can get a full refund within 30 days for new, unopened products.

Most pages also had QR codes for shoppers to scan with the Amazon app to make it easier to buy products. Any photo in the catalog could be scanned with the Amazon app for access to more information.

Most pages also had QR codes for shoppers to scan with the Amazon app to make it easier to buy products. Any photo in the catalog could be scanned with the Amazon app for access to more information.

Towards the end of the catalog are pages that feature tech products like cameras, small photo printers, Bluetooth speakers ...

Towards the end of the catalog are pages that feature tech products like cameras, small photo printers, Bluetooth speakers ...

... video games, TVs, and more.

... video games, TVs, and more.

The last page of the catalog has information on subscription boxes and gift cards. It ends by prompting the reader to go online to see more.

The last page of the catalog has information on subscription boxes and gift cards. It ends by prompting the reader to go online to see more.

The layout of Amazon's catalog is strikingly similar to the now-discontinued Sears Wish Book, with images of toys and scattered across the page and information about each toy in the fine print underneath. Sears, which is currently navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is only making its Wish Book available online this year.

The layout of Amazon

One of the biggest differences between the catalogs is that Sears' sold appliances, clothes, and other products besides toys, whereas Amazon's catalog is strictly for toys.

One of the biggest differences between the catalogs is that Sears

The Amazon "Holiday of Play" catalog is also very similar to the catalogs once mailed out by Toys R Us.

The Amazon "Holiday of Play" catalog is also very similar to the catalogs once mailed out by Toys R Us.

Amazon will be mailing out the toy catalogs to millions of shoppers and will have it available at its 4-star and bookstores.

Amazon will be mailing out the toy catalogs to millions of shoppers and will have it available at its 4-star and bookstores.

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