The Marketing Files were a unique research collection created and originally kept in the library's former Vertical Files unit. They were popular resources for researchers before the internet dominated such searches. The files were largely composed of thousands of articles related to the business and marketing side of the fashion industry that were clipped, photocopied, pasted, or laminated by the Vertical Files staff. They also included promotional and informational materials such as pamphlets, booklets, press kits, annual reports, financial reports, industry studies, and catalogs. These collected materials are grouped chronologically within each folder, and the folders are arranged alphabetically by company within each alphabetical topic. These topics include the apparel industry, cosmetics and toiletries, furs, leather, licensing, and retail stores. The dates of these collected materials range from 1949 to 1995. (The Vertical Files unit was closed in January, 1996.) Upon introduction to the College Archives these folders filled 131 archival boxes, but those have been weeded for online redundancy and condition. The remaining hard-to-find materials are now housed in 44 boxes containing 201 folders. These files might appeal to students of Fashion Business Management, Global Fashion Management, and International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries who are researching the history of various aspects of the industry.
