At Genumark, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences through exceptional branded merchandise. One of our recent projects with Marriott Hotels is a perfect example of how impactful, thoughtful, well-designed merch can be. This case study highlights the unique items we crafted for Marriott and the reception they received from their associates.
Marriott Hotels, an industry leader recognized for their commitment to excellence and innovation, approached us with a fascinating project. They wanted to celebrate their rich history and core values during their Associate Appreciation Week (AAW). Our goal was to create merchandise that resonated with Marriott’s storied past and their forward-looking ethos. Enter Genumark’s Account Director, Meg Chahl, who worked directly with Marriott to bring this merch to life – and even traveled to the event to see the reaction of employees!
Black Shirt: The Original Hot Shoppe We designed a black shirt featuring artwork inspired by a photo of the original Hot Shoppe.
DID YOU KNOW?: Marriott’s journey began as a nine-seat A&W root beer stand, eventually evolving into The Hot Shoppe, before expanding into the hotel industry.
The shirt’s design pays homage to these humble beginnings, reflecting Marriott’s growth and their relentless pursuit of innovation.
Natural Shirt: The Mighty Mo The natural shirt celebrates The Mighty Mo, the iconic burger that Marriott’s served at The Hot Shoppe. A version of this burger is still served at their HQ dining space, which is also called The Hot Shoppe. This shirt serves as a nostalgic nod to Marriott’s culinary history.
Notebook: A Graphic Journey Through Time We created a notebook adorned with fun graphics showcasing various milestones in Marriott’s history. This notebook not only serves as a practical item for daily use but also as a visual journey through the company’s evolution into the hospitality giant it is today.
White Tumbler: Celebrating Associate Appreciation Week Our white tumbler featured co-branding of Marriott International and Associate Appreciation Week (AAW). This cold tumbler was designed to be a stylish and functional accessory, symbolizing Marriott’s appreciation for their associates’ dedication.
Black Tumbler: Warmth and Recognition The black tumbler, designed for hot beverages, also showcased co-branding of Marriott International and AAW. It was created to provide a warm reminder of Marriott’s commitment to their associates’ well-being and the value they place on their contributions.
Over three days, Meg was onsite at the event to help hand out 3,000 pieces of merch to Marriott’s employees. The event was busy and incredibly rewarding, as the merchandise was exceptionally well received, with many employees seen wearing their shirts and carrying their tumblers and totes the very next day. As Meg points out, “it was gratifying to witness firsthand the joy and pride our creations brought to the Marriott associates!”
One of the most memorable moments of the event was when our Marriott contact informed us that David Marriott, Chairman of the Board and grandson of the founders, had seen the Mighty Mo shirt and wanted one for himself. This endorsement from a member of the founding family was the ultimate compliment and a testament to the quality and thoughtfulness of our designs.
Working with Marriott Hotels on this project was an incredible experience for the Genumark team. It allowed us to dive deep into Marriott’s rich history and create merchandise that truly resonated with their values and heritage. The success of this collaboration underscores our commitment to excellence and our ability to create impactful, meaningful branded merchandise.
