Are you making the most of your lobby traffic? What about the foot traffic from local residents who pass by your property on a regular basis? Hotel gift shops have come a long way from only offering necessities, knick knacks, and candy. Today’s hotel gift shops have been elevated to boutique-level cool and can provide your guests a unique, memorable experience. Are you maximizing this opportunity?
Commonly-forgotten items
Your gift shop should provide the convenience and comfort a weary traveler seeks when unpacking their bags after a long day, only to discover they’ve forgotten their toothbrush or razor. Often these basics are complimentary for your guests but you may find that as inflation persists your bottom line is taking a bit of a hit from these offerings. Making them readily available for purchase in your gift shop eases budgetary concerns while helping your guests enjoy their stay.
Whether you provide personal hygiene items for free or make them available for purchase, consider the potential of making your luxury shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, and signature scents available in your gift shop. Guests can purchase them and take a piece of their memorable experience home with them, making them more likely to return to your hotel the next time they’re visiting your city.
Local artisans
Offering the work of local artists as part of your property’s gift shop yields multiple benefits. First, you’ve cultivated relationships with local small-business owners. Being a good corporate citizen ensures recommendations for stays from your fellow local business owners. Second, you’re providing your guests with unique, one-of-a-kind mementos of their travels.
You can outfit your guest rooms with items from local artisans – handmade bowls for keys and loose change, in-room mugs from a local potter, or locally-made lamps for side tables – with the opportunity to purchase items from these artists in your hotel’s gift shop.
Street-facing gift shops benefit your property by generating foot traffic from locals. If they can find unique items for themselves or as gifts, they’ve just had a positive experience with your property and word will spread. If the gift shop is this good, imagine how nice it would be to stay there.
Event opportunities
Unique gift shop items offer opportunities to generate more foot traffic onto your property through special events. Book signings and readings, especially from local authors, will bring people into your hotel. Trunk shows by select designers whose hats, scarves, socks, etc. you sell in your gift shop will bring guests and locals alike into your gift shop. Try offering a tasting from a local vineyard or chocolatier. Don’t forget about the opportunity to host holiday-themed events in your gift shop.
With more than 20 years of experience in markets throughout the country, Avendra International can secure unique product offerings for your hotel gift shop. We leverage your existing relationships with local artisans and small businesses to ensure you are bringing value to your guests as well as your bottom line.
While gift shops themselves may not be a huge financial driver, you are building a reputation as the local destination for one-of-a-kind experiences. That reputation will bring guests and word-of-mouth about the property will spread.
Contact your Avendra International representative today for guidance on building, enhancing, and stocking your gift shop. Your guests will appreciate a well-stocked gift shop that takes their last-minute needs into account. We can facilitate the procurement of these shop products in a cost-effective manner that takes quality, selection, and insight into account.
