In The Age of AI, Workers Crave Pen and Paper: Quill Marks 70 th Anniversary With Retro Print Catalog to Combat Digital Fatigue
LINCOLSHIRE, Ill.--( BUSINESS WIRE)--In an era dominated by screens, notifications and an always on mentality, Quill – a Staples subsidiary and agile, delivery-first workplace supplies provider – is doing something beautifully counter-cultural to celebrate its 70th anniversary: it is bringing back the print catalog.
Launched June 15, Quill’s limited-edition retro print catalog – a coffee-table worthy lookbook designed to bring back the experience that once lived on desks and breakroom tables across America – offers the chance to order supplies for the modern workplace in a decidedly old-school way. The launch comes alongside new national research commissioned by Quill that confirms workers are more nostalgic for tactile workplace experiences than many realize: nearly half (49%) of office workers consider receiving a physical catalog a “nostalgic luxury”, while 44% say it feels more novel and exciting than the promotional emails filling their inboxes.
“At a time when nearly everything about work happens on a screen, our research shows people still crave experiences that feel tangible, intentional and human,” said Mark Czupryna, Creative Director at Quill. “As we celebrate 70 years of serving businesses, we wanted to honor our roots while creating something that resonates with today’s employees. This catalog is a celebration of where we’ve been, how work has evolved and why some experiences are making a comeback.”
America’s Office Nostalgia is Real and Proved by the Numbers
The new research found that workers aren’t simply looking back fondly on the past – they’re actively seeking experiences that feel more tangible and intentional amid today’s always-on work culture. The survey found that:
More Than A Product Catalog
As workers increasingly seek moments of connection away from their screens, Quill created its 70 th anniversary catalog as both a celebration of history and a response to broader cultural shift. More than a product catalog, the limited-edition release serves as a coffee-table style lookbook featuring workplace essentials, stories from Quill’s seven-decade journey and reflections on how the workplace has evolved over time – from founder Jack Miller’s door-to-door hustle in 1956 to a modern e-commerce powerhouse.
While rooted in nostalgia, the catalog was designed for the modern worker. Customers can:
In celebration of its anniversary, Quill is offering steep discounts and special offers on select office supplies and workplace needs for two weeks as part of its Super 70 th Sale on Quill.com. Additionally, you can receive your own copy of the catalog by filling out this quick form or view the digital flipbook online now.
Methodology
The America's Office Nostalgia survey was conducted online within the United States by KRC Research on behalf of Quill in May 2026. The survey was fielded among 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are employed at small and mid-sized businesses and work in a traditional or hybrid office environment.
About Quill
Since 1956, Quill remains a trusted partner for small and mid-sized businesses. Bypassing traditional storefronts, Quill delivers value and peace of mind through fast, free next-day shipping on over 100,000 workplace essentials, award-winning customer service, and an unmatched rewards program. Today, Quill is driving rapid brand growth by breaking through the traditional B2B noise. Through playful, culturally relevant campaigns – from its recent April Fool’s "Everything Drawer" to its new 70th-anniversary retro catalog comeback – Quill continues to cement its status as an innovative partner for the modern workforce. Visit Quill.com and follow Quill at @Quill on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.