Source: Fortune
Summary
Generation Z is driving the growth of the analog music and print book economies in the U.S. and U.K. Despite being digital natives, Gen Zers are seeking tangible experiences and physical connections, leading to increased sales of vinyl records, CDs, and print books. They are also attending concerts and visiting libraries, valuing immersive experiences and real-life connections. This trend is seen as a form of identity assertion and a desire for respite from the digital world.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Gen Z’s love for analog is not just a nostalgia-driven fad, but a deliberate choice to engage with the physical world. Vinyl record sales have grown from $14.2 million in 2006 to over $1.4 billion in 2022. CD sales have also seen decade-long growth, with Gen Zers displaying them as a form of self-expression. Print book sales are at a record high, with 14-25-year-old readers making up a prominent consumer group. The need for calm and deeper connections within the physical world is driving this trend.
Author: Evan Null
