By Lea Mira, HTN staff writer – 11.20.2024
Renaissance Hotels, a Marriott Bonvoy brand, has launched R FINDS, a digital marketplace showcasing and selling products from local artisans and businesses connected to its 175+ properties worldwide. This initiative coincides with the 10th anniversary of the brand’s Global Day of Discovery, an annual event celebrating local communities. R FINDS expands on this concept, creating a year-round platform to connect travelers with the unique character of each Renaissance neighborhood.
The marketplace features a curated selection of handcrafted goods, artisanal foods, home decor, and wearable art, sourced by Renaissance Hotels’ Navigators, who are local experts embedded in each community. By operating as a commission-free platform, R FINDS aims to empower local businesses with global exposure and support their growth. This strategy aligns with the growing trend of experiential travel, where travelers, particularly younger generations, prioritize authentic and immersive local experiences.
“With the launch of R FINDS, we’re evolving Global Day of Discovery from a one-day celebration of localism to a platform that fosters meaningful connections year-round,” said Jennifer Connell, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Premium Distinctive and Collection Brands at Marriott International. “This digital marketplace connects travelers instantly to unique makers from around the world, proving that our commitment to generating positive and sustained impact for our neighbors extends far beyond the walls of each hotel.”
The platform features global retailers from Mexico, India, Spain, Thailand, and the U.S., offering a diverse range of products reflecting the unique character of each location. R FINDS also incorporates an editorial approach, featuring curated content from Wallpaper* magazine and contributions from celebrity guest editors like chef Sophia Roe, further enhancing its appeal to travelers seeking authentic local experiences.
This initiative builds on a broader trend within the hospitality industry of hotels leveraging their brand and guest experiences to create retail opportunities. Luxury hotel chains like Four Seasons, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, and Kempinski have launched online stores selling signature items, from bed linens and bathrobes to candles and toiletries. This strategy allows hotels to extend their brand beyond the physical property, create new revenue streams, and foster deeper connections with guests.
The trend of selling in-room items began with Westin’s Heavenly Bed in 1999, which proved so popular that guests wanted to purchase it for their homes. This marked a turning point for retail in the hotel industry, demonstrating the potential for hotels to capitalize on guest experiences and create lasting brand connections.
By offering unique and high-quality products tied to the hotel experience, these online stores provide a tangible way for guests to relive their travel memories and reinforce their connection with the brand. Data analytics plays a crucial role in this strategy, allowing hotels to understand guest preferences and tailor their retail offerings accordingly.
R FINDS differentiates itself by focusing on local artisans and businesses, aligning with the growing demand for authentic and immersive travel experiences. By providing a platform for these local businesses to reach a global audience, Renaissance Hotels is not only enhancing the guest experience but also contributing to the economic vitality of the communities it serves.