Renaissance Hotels on Thursday is debuting a new online retail concept that will connect travelers to unique makers from around the world to showcase hidden shopping gems.
The R Finds digital marketplace features a range of unique products and treasures that leverage the hotel group’s knowledge and local presence around the world. From handcrafted leather goods by Texas-based Ox & Pine to exclusive bags from Spain’s Surarquía and bespoke home decor, the company is aiming to help guests discover meaningful mementos of their travels.
The platform, which features products from small businesses across the company’s 170 hotel markets in 40 countries, is an extension of the Renaissance Hotels’ mission to facilitate local discovery.
“We’re creating a bridge between our guests and the soul of each neighborhood where we operate,” Jennifer Connell, vice president and global brand leader of Premium Distinctive and Collection Brands at Marriott International, parent company of Renaissance Hotels, told WWD. “We always want to connect our guests to the true personality of the place they are visiting, things you might not find in a guidebook.”
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Connecting guests with local culture has been an important brand ethos for the company. The platform debuts on the 10th anniversary of the Renaissance Hotels’ Global Day of Discovery, an annual celebration where each of its properties around the world hosts a marketplace event featuring artisans that embody the distinctive spirit of the different Renaissance neighborhoods. The R Finds online marketplace elevates the concept to a new level with an ongoing editorially driven shopping platform that lives year-round, enabling guests to discover unique finds and interesting creative businesses before they arrive at a destination, explained Connell.
R Finds also represents a natural evolution of the brand’s commitment to local businesses, Connell said. “By connecting our global audience with small businesses that embody the spirit of their neighborhoods, we’re creating lasting value not only for our guests and the communities we serve.”
She explained that rather than functioning as a traditional e-commerce site, R Finds directs customers to the artisans’ own websites, ensuring direct connections between consumers and creators. It is an affiliate marketing model, and Renaissance, she said, is not taking a commission from sales.
“This launch is about making a dual impact — enriching our guests’ travel experiences while providing meaningful support to local artisans,” said Connell. “When you think about these local businesses, unless they have global reach, they can’t share their talent and goods nearly as broadly as they deserve to be able to.”
Renaissance has assembled a team of global cultural curators who are subject matter experts in culinary arts, design and fashion to pick items and create editorial content for R Finds. “The curators share our passion for supporting small businesses and help us tell deeper stories about the products and their creators,” said Connell.
James Beard Award-winning chef Sophia Roe is overseeing the culinary section.
“What excites me about R Finds is the opportunity to spotlight artisans who are crafting exceptional products with compelling stories,” Roe said.
Her selections for R Finds’ launch include her pick of kitchen aprons, which she presents in a post headlined “Make an independent statement and upgrade your kitchen style with these storied apron brands from around the globe.” Roe has also selected an array of culinary treasures, from small-batch hot sauces to artisanal honey collections and unique spice blends.
A self-proclaimed “gift girl,” she said she approaches her curation with personal passion for discovery. “I’m always looking to bring back special items for others when I travel,” she explained. “R Finds makes it incredibly convenient to discover and support local artisans, especially during the holiday season when we’re all searching for unique gifts that tell a story.”
Also central to the platform’s curation process is Renaissance’s navigator program, a network of on-property experts who serve as cultural conduits. “Our navigators have always been the secret ingredient in connecting guests to hidden gems in each neighborhood,” Connell explained. Each hotel property around the world has contributed to the selection available online.
Looking ahead, R Finds will expand its offerings in early 2025 with exclusive products, including a custom-blended honey kit featuring artisanal producers from Charleston, Chicago, and Hawaii — a project that particularly excites Roe, who sees it as an opportunity to showcase the diversity of American honey producers and the importance of the personal connections behind each product.
“These aren’t anonymous items from a gift shop — we know the founders, their journeys, and what makes their products special. When you buy something from R Finds, you’re sharing a piece of someone’s passion and heritage that make their products truly meaningful gifts,” Connell said.
