If they aren't manipulative, if I actually want what they are selling, why are they inserting themselves into my attention instead of waiting for me to look for them in a catalog?

The entire industry is a blight on the human condition. We only permit it because we're a society that glorifies exploitation and predation in the name of almighty mammon.

If everyone in advertising and marketing died in their sleep tonight the world would be a markedly better place tomorrow.