When McFeely’s, a trusted source for quality woodworking supplies, needed to bring their catalog into the modern era, PUREi was ready with a powerful, innovative solution. The company’s outdated catalog required a complete redesign to enhance usability and reduce future production costs. With this in mind, PUREi proposed a database-driven design and layout approach that would streamline the catalog creation process while preserving flexibility for future updates.
Understanding McFeely’s Needs
McFeely’s new ownership sought a fresh catalog design that would be both cost-effective and sustainable over time. With a catalog spanning approximately 110 pages, the traditional manual layout process was no longer efficient or economical. By using a relational database merge, PUREi developed a design that could pull updated product information directly from a master database, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and seamless updates.
The PUREi Approach to Catalog Transformation
PUREi began by conducting a comprehensive review of McFeely’s product data. After evaluating the existing structure, our team collaborated with McFeely’s to develop a master database, managed through PUREi’s proprietary data portal application. This tool allowed the catalog to be populated with product images, descriptions, specifications, and pricing automatically. Each section of the catalog was built using master templates designed specifically for database integration, saving significant time and resources during layout.
To guarantee the new catalog’s long-term usability, PUREi provided McFeely’s with control over the data portal. With this setup, any subsequent changes—such as price adjustments, product additions, or description updates—could be made directly in the database, populating the catalog with minimal rework. This solution not only streamlined initial design and layout but also set the stage for future editions to be produced quickly and affordably.
Overcoming Challenges
One unique challenge was integrating McFeely’s wide range of product information into a cohesive layout without sacrificing visual appeal or readability. PUREi’s art direction and design team collaborated closely with McFeely’s, developing a consistent visual structure and layout that maintained clarity while highlighting product features. Additionally, PUREi ensured that every element—photography, product data, and design—aligned seamlessly, resulting in a visually compelling catalog that effectively communicates McFeely’s brand identity.
Results and Lasting Impact
The redesigned catalog was delivered as a press-ready PDF, allowing McFeely’s to work with their commercial printer of choice. The streamlined, database-driven approach has led to significant cost savings for each catalog edition, as updates are now handled directly within PUREi’s data portal. McFeely’s catalog not only looks modern and professional but has also become a flexible, adaptable marketing tool that can evolve as their business grows.
Through this innovative approach, PUREi has helped McFeely’s transform their catalog into a dynamic asset, with the flexibility and efficiency to meet their future needs.