For hotels, the guests staying with them provide a captive market and like the airlines the hotels are increasingly creating outlets to sell articles related to luxury travel and hospitality industry. The Swiss luxury hotel chain Swissotel is the latest to join the bandwagon and have launched its first online retail outlet Swissotel At Home, selling bed linen, towels and bathrobes used in its hotels, as well as Swissotel branded items such as mugs, candles or silk scarves.
There are other big names from the hospitality industry who are already selling similar products under their brand name. JW Marriott products like pillows, blankets and mattresses are sold online through ShopMarriott. They also sell items from Courtyard its upscale brand Renaissance on a separate site. HiltonToHome is Hilton’s site selling linens, beds and other items such as bathroom accessories and electronic gadgets.
Fairmont operates shops at some of their hotels and also has a presence on the web with an online outlet. Hyatt at Home offers everything from spa items to luxury luggage and fitness equipment. W Store from W Hotels offers everything from bedding to jewelry and handbags. It makes sense for the hotel chains to leverage their brand equity to create another source of revenue and Swissotel is not the last but more will join the retail rush.
