CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A photobook company recently ranked Illinois as one of the most nostalgic states.
Illinois ranked fifth in the nation for sales of photobooks from a California-based photo printing company called Mixbook.
Memories of weddings, family reunions and time spent with friends — Illinois residents were likely to become wistful for these moments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data from Mixbook. The company analyzed sales from the past three years.
"Illinois consistently ranked in the top for nostalgia, and I think that demonstrates the care for family, with its midwestern roots, and this deep desire to stay connected with the people and the moments they love," Leslie Albertson, Mixbook's director of marketing, told WBBM Newsradio.
Albertson said the company saw growth in sales last year while people were social distancing. She said she thinks it's because there's something different about holding physical photos compared to just seeing them on a screen.
"There's an ironic disconnect with memories and technology...we walk around with computers in our hands, taking more photos...but we often forget the little details that are so profound, and when you're able to relive them in print, I believe you remember so much more,” she said.
Albertson said Chicago ranked high for romantic photo albums.
"That downtime in 2020, as we were sheltering in place, really gave folks the opportunity to look back on the good times and remember why you love your partner," she said.
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