Catalogs & Corporate HQs

Two of our Big Three mega merchandisers operated solely as mail-order houses during their formative years. Montgomery Ward & Company issued their first catalog (basically a single-sheet price list) in 1872. By the time of their 1895 Catalog, there were over 500 pages and 8,000 illustrations. Wards would discontinue its general merchandise catalog in December 1985.
Graphic from "Wild West Mercantile"

The first Sears Catalog, which listed only watches and jewelry, debuted in 1888. It was expanded into a general merchandise publication in 1894, which featured over 300 pages. Eventually, it became known colloquially as "the consumer's Bible." The retailer discontinued its general merchandise catalog in December 1993.
Graphic from Sears, Roebuck & Company Annual Report 1940

For several years, J.C. Penney was strictly a brick & mortar retailer. They did not enter the catalog sales business until August 1963, when their Fall and Winter 1963 Catalog was issued. Catalog operations were initially established in eight states, with nation-wide sales instituted in 1979. The Penney's Catalog, a.k.a. "Big Book," was discontinued in 2010. 

Graphic from https://christmas.musetechnical.com