London Design Festival 2024
07th October 2024 | The drawing board
Discover
The full project
Exploring the Convergence of Retail and Hospitality: Insights from Johnathan Garrison, Principal at G.A Group.
In a conversation with Commerce & Community Today (ICSC), Johnathan Garrison, Principal of G.A Group New York, explores the increasing collaboration between retail and hotels. With the rise of lifestyle branding and experiential real estate, luxury hotels are partnering with iconic retailers like Fendi, Bvlgari, and Baccarat to offer guests more than just a place to stay — they offer unique, immersive experiences.
“The level of service, the level of luxury and the whole exclusivity of the experience that you get there elevates the way the product is viewed by a consumer,” Johnathan Garrison, tells C+CT. “It’s beneficial for both the hotel and for the retail component.”
At G.A Group, we see great potential for retail and hospitality to coexist harmoniously within our designs, creating shared value for both guests and brands. Atlantis The Royal exemplifies this approach. One standout partnership with Valentino provides an exclusive in-room personal shopping service, enhancing the guest experience through convenience, privacy, and bespoke luxury. At the same time, the hotel and retailer enjoy increased brand exposure and sales.
Atlantis the Royal retail promenade
Beyond service, our designs create opportunities for hotels and retailers to craft unique experiences. Reflecting on his recent visit to Atlantis The Royal, Garrison highlights a partnership with Louis Vuitton: “Their collaboration brought the Vivienne sculptures to life throughout the hotel, attracting visitors eager to capture moments with these playful luxury figures. It creates a whole new, unique experience in itself – long after its opening – with guests traveling just to photograph these distinct personalities.”
The tagline for this collaboration, “Icons Shine Brighter Together” perfectly embodies how luxury hotels and retail brands unite to deliver extraordinary guest experiences while amplifying their marketing reach.
In summary, Garrison notes: “As these spaces continue to complement one another, we’ll see more collaborations. Retail and hotels together elevate the guest experience, creating environments where luxury, accessibility, and personalized service are seamlessly integrated.”
All photography provided by Atlantis The Royal / Brandon Barre
Read the full CC+T article here >
About Commerce & Community Today (ICSC)…
Commerce & Community Today (ICSC) is a global organisation focused on advancing the marketplaces where commerce and community intersect. Formerly known as the International Council of Shopping Centers, ICSC supports professionals in the retail, real estate, and related industries by fostering networking, education, and advocacy. With a focus on evolving consumer behaviors and the changing landscape of physical and digital retail, ICSC helps members navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in an increasingly experience-driven marketplace. Through events, research, and resources, ICSC promotes the growth and success of businesses in the commerce and community space.
