AP Spotlight Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season DAVID SHARP Associated Press Dec 4, 2024 Dec 4, 2024 Updated Nov 26, 2025 0 Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save PORTLAND, Maine — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs.kAm(9:=6 C6E2:=6CD 9@A6 E@ 8@ 3:8 E9:D 9@=:52J D62D@?[ 4FDE@>6CD >2J ?@E:46 E92E E96 AC:?E65 8:7E 8F:56D 2CC:G:?8 :? E96:C >2:=3@I6D 2C6 D>2==6C]k^AmkAm|2?J @7 E96 >:==:@?D @7 42E2=@8D 86EE:?8 D6?E E@ &]$] 9@>6D H6C6 :?5665 D42=65 5@H? E@ D2G6 @? A@DE286 2?5 A2A6C[ C6DF=E:?8 :? 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H:E9 @FC 3C2?5[ 2?5 :D E96C67@C6 2? :>A@CE2?E A2CE @7 @FC @>?:\492??6= DEC2E68J[ 6DA64:2==J 7@C @FC =@J2= 4FDE@>6CD]”k^Am 0 Comments Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Related to this story 9 holiday gifts to hit the right note for music lovers Here's a gift guide for the audio lover in your life — from a can't-miss box set to a set of wine glasses that will be music to everyone's ears. The holiday gift puzzle: Who should get a gift, and what should it be? Whether you're tightening your budget or don't plan to give gifts at all, here are some ideas for how to cope. 2024 holiday mailing tips: Deadlines, packaging advice and more things to know Sending gifts in the coming weeks? 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9 holiday gifts to hit the right note for music lovers Here's a gift guide for the audio lover in your life — from a can't-miss box set to a set of wine glasses that will be music to everyone's ears.
The holiday gift puzzle: Who should get a gift, and what should it be? Whether you're tightening your budget or don't plan to give gifts at all, here are some ideas for how to cope.
2024 holiday mailing tips: Deadlines, packaging advice and more things to know Sending gifts in the coming weeks? Here's a holiday-mailing guide, with deadlines to know, packaging tips and more.