The omni-channel retailer of trade tools and hardware products said the “iconic” catalogue would be replaced by new digital screens in-store. The retailer already has an app. 

The catalogue has been going for 30 years, with more than 300 editions published since it was launched in 1992. 

The sub-A5 format catalogue typically ran to more than 1,000pp and was printed at Spanish printer Einsa. 

At its peak in 2019 the print run was more than six million copies a year. 

Screwfix stated: “With increasing numbers of customers shopping online and a significant reduction in the number of customers using the catalogue over the past few years, the retailer is focused on delivering hyper convenience, centred around its digital offering across its app, website, and in-store order points.”

Screwfix CEO John Mewett commented: “Our iconic catalogue has been a huge part a part of our brand identity for the past 30 years, however it only includes a small part of our extensive range and doesn’t reflect our latest prices. In recent years we’ve seen customers increasingly prefer to shop with our app or online and switching to digital screens in-store will mean we can provide the same great experience.”

Some 16,000-17,000 products featured in the catalogue, compared with 37,000 items in the product range overall.

An industry source said that production of the catalogue had been “sporadic” over the last three years. 

While Screwfix did not cite rising paper and print prices as contributing to its decision, production and logistics costs were viewed as likely to be a factor in the move. 

“Whichever mill provided the paper for it is going to notice it, and the transport must have cost a fortune,” noted a source.

The business appears likely to use print in a more tactical way in future. 

A Screwfix spokesperson told Printweek: “Screwfix will continue to send flyers and direct mail, but it’s something being continually reviewed.”

Argos stopped printing its main catalogue in the summer of 2020.