Why Touch Is the Heartbeat of Modern Brand Experience
Yes, “RoT” can actually be a good thing. It stands for Return of Touch, a cultural shift highlighted in The Return of Touch: Consumer Engagement Has an Omnichannel Revival, a study by Quad and The Harris Poll. As consumers grow weary of living life behind a screen, they’re gravitating toward physical experiences that feel more human, such as print, catalogs, packaging and retail environments, seeking tactile discovery, sensory delight and real‑world connection that digital alone can’t replicate. And the numbers back it up.
The Return of Touch, in Real Numbers
- 79% of consumers say online shopping lacks the magic of an in‑person find.
- 66% say touching and physically interacting with products is the most enjoyable part of shopping.
- 71% feel print catalogs or magazines are more authentic than digital campaigns.
- 73% of Gen Z & Millennials look forward to receiving catalogs from brands.
- 88% say it’s easy to remember physical store experiences that engage customers.
Why Touch Matters More Than Ever for Catalogs & Retail
At J.Schmid, we’ve always believed that emotion inspires action. When consumers can touch, flip, dog‑ear and immerse themselves in your brand, they’re not just browsing; they’re building a relationship. The report shows that physical mail and catalogs influence brand choice and store visits, especially for younger shoppers. Packaging and unboxing experiences are doing the same heavy lifting, creating memorable moments that drive purchase decisions.
Creativity You Can Feel
Here at J.Schmid, we are a human‑centered branding and creative agency built to tell brand stories across both physical and digital spaces. We use insights, strategy and handcrafted creative to make every touch point count. We aim to:
- Turn catalogs into authentic, editorial‑style brand experiences.
- Design mail and packaging that surprise and delight.
- Create immersive in‑store storytelling and signage.
- Connect print to digital with seamless omnichannel experiences.
We know that touch isn’t replacing digital completely; it’s enhancing it. Brands that blend both are winning.
Ready to Make Your Brand More Touchable?
Ready to bring more touch into your brand experience? Let’s reimagine your catalog and retail moments together.
Want to dive deeper into the data first? Download the full Quad + Harris Poll report.