When I talk to brands about direct mail, the conversation often starts with one question: “Should we mail?” But that is not the right place to start. The better question is: “Where can direct mail actually drive incremental growth?” Because many DTC brands and retailers do not have a demand problem. They have an incrementality Read More Thinking About Launching or Refining a Direct Mail Program? CohereOne Can Help
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July 2026 Trends
We compiled these trends from over 100 brands, comparing year-over-year data for the date range July 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026. July 2026: Steady Spending, Cooling Inflation July sessions rose 7.5% and demand grew 1.3% year-over-year. Orders rose 3.2%, reversing June’s 0.5% decline. Consumers stayed value-conscious, but lower energy costs and easing inflation kept Read More July 2026 Trends
Cut Costs, Not Results: How Smarter Direct Mail Testing Drives Efficiency
In our last post, we talked about protecting what’s working, tightening segmentation, and using this time to test smarter rather than react harder. We also mentioned that the next step is identifying cost-efficiency opportunities that don’t compromise performance. Because when pressure builds, “cost efficiency” can quickly start to mean broad cuts, smaller budgets, fewer drops, Read More Cut Costs, Not Results: How Smarter Direct Mail Testing Drives Efficiency
June 2026 Trends
We compiled these trends from over 100 brands, comparing year-over-year data for the date range June 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. June 2026: Retail Momentum Holds as Inflation Pressures Ease June proved that consumers are still spending. Sessions rose about 4.5% and demand grew 5.8%, even as orders slipped 0.5%. Consumers remain value-conscious and Read More June 2026 Trends
May 2026 Trends
We compiled these trends from over 100 brands, comparing year-over-year data for the date range May 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026. May 2026: Traffic Outpaced Orders as Shoppers Prioritized Value May showed that consumers remain engaged. Sessions increased more than 8%, but that growth did not translate into orders. Orders and demand declined 1.3% and Read More May 2026 Trends
We’ve Seen This Before—Don’t Panic
If the last few weeks have felt uneven, you’re not imagining it. We’re seeing it too. Performance has been mixed with some recent softness in acquisition and higher average order values driven by price increases and merchandising shifts. The customers who are still buying are buying well, but they’re a little less inclined to try Read More We’ve Seen This Before—Don’t Panic
April 2026 Trends
We compiled these trends from over 100 brands, comparing year-over-year data for the date range April 1, 2026, to April 30, 2026. April 2026: Strong Traffic, Continued Resilience April saw positive growth, despite continued macroeconomic headwinds. Compared to last year, orders and demand were up led by growth in apparel. Despite growth, many brands saw Read More April 2026 Trends
Creative Trends in Catalog Format Design
As rising postal costs force brands to rethink every page they mail, catalog format has quietly become one of the most powerful levers for improving ROI without sacrificing demand. I’ve worn many hats in the world of catalogs—working alongside talented designers I been in charge of sales, merchandise and product forecasting. My experience spans department Read More Creative Trends in Catalog Format Design
Economic Pressures Weigh on February Performance
We compiled these trends from over 100 brands, comparing year-over-year data for the date range February 1, 2026, to February 28, 2026. February 2026: Economic Pressures Weigh on Performance February performance showed mixed results. Sessions were up almost 9%, but weaker conversion rates led to a 5% drop in orders and a 1.6% decline in Read More Economic Pressures Weigh on February Performance
Precision Over Panic: Catalog Strategy in Volatile Markets
For catalog-driven retail brands, economic shifts don’t just influence marketing strategy — they change the economics of circulation, contribution, and retention. Because print carries significant fixed costs in paper, production, and postage, market volatility exposes inefficiencies quickly. At CohereOne, we don’t respond to that pressure with reactive cuts. We respond with sharper segmentation, tighter measurement, Read More Precision Over Panic: Catalog Strategy in Volatile Markets