CATALOG MARKET OUTLOOK --Sales on Back Order

"The colder than normal weather experienced by much of the country at the start of the fourth quarter led to somewhat increased optimism for a stronger than anticipated finish to 2002," Paloian notes. "This, in turn, has led some catalogers to marginally increase their circulations in an attempt to capture more sales. However, looking forward to 2003, many catalogers are planning reduced circulations for the spring, but will finalize their plans based upon actual performance levels for the entire fourth quarter."