A Book of Bargains for the Month of February Only (Montgomery Ward)
The pattern
This still is filed under Mail-order catalog.
Define
A catalog that is the store: browse, choose, order, without a clerk and often without a website.
Mechanism
Assortment as argument. Density, numbering, and an order path do the closing. The book is the funnel.
Verdict
We have a range, remote buyers, and a way to take the order on the same object.
Why it works
It is a masterclass in 'reason-why' copy and scarcity. They explain exactly WHY the prices are so low (to keep clerks busy), which makes the ridiculous bargains believable. They enforce strict limits (no club orders, one per family) which increases perceived value and urgency.
Steal this when
When you want to run a massive discount sale during a slow season and need a believable reason for the low prices to maintain brand integrity.