Earlier this year, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas in Palm Springs, California, opened its main resort gift shop for guests. The store, which is managed by Event Network, features a mix of resortwear, home goods, souvenirs and travel essentials.
“The store has been such a great addition for guests to give them a more comfortable stay,” says Store Director David Vargas. “A guest can stay their entire visit at the resort and instead of going off-site for any essentials or outfits, they can get all of that here. We offer a selection of resortwear with more accessories, distinct gifts and souvenirs.”
He adds, “Whether customers are looking for something practical to wear, last-minute essentials or a keepsake to take home, we’re a one-stop shop for everything during your stay.”
The new gift shop follows a major rebrand at the well-known resort property in September 2024. Hyatt Hotels Corp. along with Trinity Investments completed a $64 million property-wide renovation last year at the desert resort with redesigned guestrooms, luxury villas, an expanded lobby, new accommodations, dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex with extended cabana offerings.
“Grand Hyatt hotels showcase bold and vibrant design and architecture, creating captivating destinations within a destination. The newly renovated and rebranded Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas will introduce guests and members to an elevated level of hospitality,” said Hyatt’s U.S. & Canada President Susan Santiago shortly after the renovations were completed.
When considering what product mix would work best for the store, Vargas says he focused on finding items that offered style, comfort and convenience while also reflecting the Grand Hyatt’s getaway desert lifestyle.
“Our store tries to balance needs and wants. We have some necessities and convenience items to make guests comfortable. But we also have the wants that help them to create a best resort experience, like a new outfit that they can wear to a conference dinner,” he explains.
Vargas adds that he’s always trying to incorporate trending merchandise into the resort store. He shares that Bad Birdie men’s apparel has been a hit with the guys coming into the shop.
“Bad Birdie is a really great brand for men since it’s from Shark Tank,” he says. “When guests come in, they recognize the brand with its fun shirts and patterns.”
Women can also browse the new gift shop for trendy jewelry, outfits and accessories to wear while in Palm Springs. And to cater to guests enjoying the resort’s water park, one section of the store is full of pool-day fun for the family: kids’ swim apparel, sunscreen, goggles, beach balls and other pool toys.
“We opened in March, and we’re still learning these next few months what customers want from the store,” Vargas says. “The resort shop is a direct reflection of the Grand Hyatt, which is an amazing hospitality group. Our goal isn’t just about completing transactions in the gift shop — it’s about creating a five-star guest experience in the resort store.”
