The $650 Billion Opportunity in Shoppable Digital Catalogs

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The global market for digital catalogs is experiencing exponential growth. According to Market Data Forecast, it is projected to grow from $122.51 billion in 2024 to $651.34 billion by 2033, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 20.4%.

With 70% of consumers preferring to shop online, 80% of catalog sales now occur digitally in markets like the U.S. and Europe. This shift is driven by changing behavior and advancements in interactive catalog technology, including AR and virtual try-ons. A McKinsey study found that 90% of businesses using digital catalogs report higher engagement and customer satisfaction, highlighting the growing role of online channels in product discovery. As consumer demand for convenience and personalization rises, the catalog market will continue evolving through digital transformation and customer-centric innovation.

This growth is fueled by digital transformation, e-commerce expansion, and the rising demand for personalized shopping experiences. As businesses shift from static print catalogs to AI-driven, interactive digital formats, marketers must rethink how they present products to consumers.

global digital catalog market Publitas

Key Drivers of Digital Catalog Growth

  1. E-commerce Boom & Digitalization
    Online shopping is driving catalog adoption like never before. In the U.S. alone, e-commerce sales surpassed $870 billion in 2021 and continue to rise. This shift makes digital catalogs an essential brand tool to showcase products, enhance engagement, and streamline the buying journey.
  2. Personalization = Higher Conversions
    Personalization is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. With 50% of consumers preferring brands offering personalized experiences, companies are leveraging AI-powered digital catalogs to provide tailored recommendations, interactive content, and shoppable experiences.
  3. Retail & E-commerce Dominate the Market
    The retail and e-commerce sector holds 46.6% of the catalog market, proving that digital catalogs are now a crucial component of online selling strategies. Major brands like Amazon, Walmart, and IKEA are investing heavily in digital-first catalogs to drive engagement and sales.
Image shows a woman holding a tablet device with a digital catalog on the screen

The Battle of Digital vs. Print

While 74.5% of the market is now digital, print catalogs are still relevant for niche markets and industries targeting specific demographics. Brands increasingly adopt a hybrid approach, using print for brand storytelling and direct mail campaigns while leveraging digital catalogs for interactivity, analytics, and conversion tracking.

Brands can merge print and digital by creating scannable catalogs using QR codes that link to interactive product pages, influencer reviews, and exclusive in-app discounts.

The image shows an example of what digital catalogs on a laptop screen with a QR code

What This Means for Marketers in 2025

As marketing trends evolve, the growth in digital catalogs aligns with key 2025 strategies:

  • AI-Driven Personalization → Consumers expect dynamic shopping experiences with smart recommendations based on browsing behavior and past purchases.
  • Shoppable Content → Digital catalogs will replace static PDFs with embedded checkout options, turning browsing into direct sales.
  • SEO & Searchable Digital Assets → Marketers will optimize catalogs for Google search, voice search, and AI assistants to drive organic traffic.
  • Interactive & Immersive Shopping → Augmented reality (AR) and 360° product views will redefine how customers experience products before purchase.
  • Mobile-First Strategies → With the majority of shopping happening on smartphones, digital catalogs will need to be optimized for mobile UX with fast loading speeds and app integrations.

Regional & Industry Growth Trends: Key Opportunities

The $651 billion digital catalog market is expanding, with different regions and industries driving unique opportunities.

North America: Market Leader (33.2% Share)

North America leads due to high e-commerce adoption, AI-driven personalization, and mobile-first shopping. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart are turning digital flyers into interactive, shoppable experiences.

Opportunities:

  • AI-powered dynamic pricing to adjust promotions in real time.
  • Social commerce integration with TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping.
  • Exclusive loyalty-based digital flyers to increase engagement.

Asia-Pacific: Fastest-Growing Region (CAGR 8.5%)

Asia-Pacific, led by China, India, and Japan, is experiencing rapid digital commerce growth, with mobile-first experiences shaping consumer behavior.

Opportunities:

  • Mobile-optimized flyers for seamless shopping experiences.
  • Live shopping integration with influencers for real-time engagement.
  • Localized, language-adaptive digital catalogs for diverse markets.

FMCG Industry: Fastest-Growing Sector (CAGR 9.7%)

FMCG brands are leveraging digital flyers to enhance visibility, drive promotions, and integrate with grocery apps.

Opportunities:

  • Geo-targeted promotions personalized by location and store inventory.
  • Real-time pricing updates to reflect discounts instantly.
  • Sustainable, digital-first marketing strategies replacing print flyers.

Europe & LATAM: Emerging Markets

Europe is focused on sustainability, while LATAM is expanding in mobile commerce, creating new growth opportunities.

Opportunities:

  • Paperless digital catalogs in Europe to meet sustainability goals.
  • Mobile-friendly, data-light catalogs in LATAM for broader access.

The Future of Digital Catalogs

With digital catalogs poised for explosive growth, marketers who invest in AI, interactivity, and personalization will stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s creating immersive shopping experiences, leveraging data-driven insights, or optimizing catalogs for SEO, the brands that embrace digital catalogs in 2025 will drive higher conversions and customer loyalty.

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