Lobby Shops are an essential part of the new Guest Experience.
Imagine this. You’re waiting for your traveling companion, or for the valet to get your car, on your way out for a full day of discovery in a new city. You find yourself in the hotel lobby with a few moments to spare. You find yourself drawn into the lobby shop.
We all know that feeling of impulse shopping before a day trip.
“What might I need in case we don’t have time to stop?” you ask yourself. “Water, coffee, or snacks? Will I feel like something sweet or salty? Perhaps a bag of chips or maybe a chocolate bar – I’ll get both – just in case.”
What you may not know is that in addition to convenience, a well stocked lobby shop is considered an important enhancement to the guest experience.
If you’re considering opening or expanding your Lobby Shop, here are three suggestions for optimizing the experience while at the same time improving your profits.
1. Offer “better for you” products that are aligned with new, healthier lifestyle choices. Recent studies show that 97% of consumers say they feel compelled to eat healthy some of the time while 43% will ALWAYS look for healthy options.
Key takeaway: Without healthy options almost half of your guests will not partake in tempting snacks that have no nutritional value.
2. Offer a Pick Me Up! Caffeine satisfies the guest's needs for an energy boost often lacking due to time changes, restless sleeps, and busy schedules.
Key takeaway: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate are popular at all hours of the day (and night).
3. Make it easy to buy! QR codes have revolutionized the convenience of impulse shopping. In less than a minute the guest can “grab and go” at the front desk, or have snack items delivered to their room. Key takeaway: The Lobby Shop is a versatile online and offline experience that can enhance the room service menu. It can also enhance or replace the mini-bar.
For more information, check out our White Paper on Lobby Shops.
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