AmeriMark Direct
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mail order, direct marketing, e-commerce |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Avvy Katz |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Gary Giesler (owner from 1998) |
| Products | Women's clothing, footwear, jewelry, accessories, fragrances, cosmetics, weight management products, personal care items, As Seen on TV merchandise, household goods |
Number of employees | 700 (Unknown (prior to 2023)) |
AmeriMark Direct was a privately owned American enterprise specializing in mail order and direct marketing, established in 1969 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The company managed 10 catalogs and operated 7 websites, focusing on women's clothing, footwear, jewelry, accessories, fragrances, cosmetics, weight management products, personal care items, As Seen on TV merchandise, and household goods. With an annual revenue near $400 million, AmeriMark employed roughly 700 individuals across its facilities located in Middleburg Heights and Berea, Ohio. The firm held membership in the American Catalog Mailers Association.
History
Avvy Katz founded the company in 1969 with the launch of the Anthony Richards catalog for women's apparel. The business grew through acquisitions such as Beauty Boutique, which offered beauty products and perfumes, and Windsor Collection, known for affordable fashion jewelry. In 1995, Katz introduced Healthy Living, a catalog dedicated to discounted healthcare items.
In 1998, ownership transferred to Gary Giesler and associates who renamed the company TransAmerica Holdings. By 2000, it was rebranded as AmeriMark Direct and debuted the Complements shoe catalog alongside its inaugural website, AmeriMark.com.
A private equity firm purchased a 75% interest in 2005. That same year saw the introduction of the Time For Me catalog and its corresponding website TimeForMeCatalog.com, featuring premium relaxation products, diet and fitness items, foot care, and intimacy goods. Additionally, the Essentials catalog was launched as a separate line focusing on intimate apparel.
The following year, BeautyBoutique.com was established to complement the existing beauty catalog. In December 2007, AmeriMark Holdings was created to acquire Dr. Leonard's Healthcare Corp., broadening its product range to include health-related items, As Seen on TV products, apparel, collectibles, fitness equipment, home furnishings, housewares, and footwear aimed at senior consumers. Dr. Leonard's operated two catalogs—Dr. Leonard's and Carol Wright Gifts—as well as their respective websites.
In 2007, AmeriMark was ranked #296 in the Internet Retail Top 500 Guide.
On April 11, 2023, AmeriMark filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, attributing financial difficulties to increased interest rates, unpredictable demand fluctuations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues related to catalog printing. The next day, the company announced workforce reductions totaling 223 employees and permanent shutdowns of its Middleburg Heights and Berea operations.
Subsequently, on June 16, 2023, Colony Brands, Inc. acquired selected assets from AmeriMark Direct, incorporating 12 brands into its existing portfolio.