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Rand McNally Maps: They Hope You Love Them Like They Love You

By Scott Smith in Miscellaneous on Oct 17, 2006 6:13PM

While traversing the wild and wooly suburbs this weekend, Chicagoist was once again reminded why we always tend to carry an atlas when traveling: Google Maps are all fine and good until you need to change your plans.

The folks at Skokie-based Rand-McNally are hoping others have learned that lesson, too. 2006_10_ilmap.jpgIn the early aughts, the company was going through some rough spots including bankruptcy and ownership changes. Plus, they found themselves detoured by the popularity of online maps available from companies like Yahoo and Mapquest. So rather than pull over and ask for directions, they just figured they’d go a little farther because the exit they were looking for was just over that next hill, and anyway, they were making really good time.

Rather than stick with dead trees, Rand McNally has branched out into GPS navigation systems. They’ve also closed its retail stores, focused on selling maps in already existing retail outlets and its website, and created customized maps for motorcyclists, schools and families. Sales have grown 4 to 5 percent annually as a result.

We know we’re going to come off as a shill here, but road trips just don’t seem as adventurous if you’ve got step-by-step directions. Get yourself an atlas, and the roads of America are yours for the taking. Plus, you don’t need to worry about ending up like Kurt Russell in Breakdown.