Gen Z drives demand for awkward holiday photos at JCPenney Portrait Studios

Lifetouch has successfully tapped into the awkward holiday photo trend at JCPenney Portrait Studios, attracting many Gen Z customers. One studio reported over 100 sessions daily during the holiday season, significantly increasing foot traffic and brand recognition. The trend, popularized on TikTok, has led to long wait times and high demand for sessions. Customers are now intentionally seeking out these nostalgic experiences, with many expressing interest in making it a regular holiday tradition. Lifetouch aims to retain these younger customers by enhancing their social media presence, including launching a TikTok account. The company reported that 30% of holiday sessions were for awkward family photos, marking a shift in their customer base.