Hampton Launches Brand-Wide Wardrobe Program
A Focus On Choices
MAY 7, 2007. Hampton (www.hampton.com), the national brand of more than 1,400 mid-priced Hampton Inn(R) and Hampton Inn & Suites(R) hotels, today announced that it has joined with Lands' End to create a new wardrobe program entitled the "I Am Hampton Collection," for all of its hotel team members.
"We listened to our team members and the message that came through loud and clear is that they feel the typical polyester uniforms prevalent in the hotel industry leave much to be desired," said Phil Cordell, senior vice-president, Hampton brand management. "In conjunction with Lands' End Business Outfitters, we have developed a wardrobe collection that is both stylish and comfortable as well as introduces an innovative element of choice, thereby solving some of the single-style challenges we have encountered with our uniform options in the past."
The collection offers two distinct options. The Team Hampton Kit offers each team member a wardrobe of nine pieces (three pants, five tops and a belt) which can be mixed and matched based on individual personality and style. The Traditional Kit includes nine different pieces (blazer, two pairs of slacks, three tops, two scarves for women or two ties for men and a belt). Both options provide an important element of consistency, while allowing a level of choice and individuality for hotels and team members.
"Providing choice is unique within the hospitality industry. With a wide range of sizes and many styling options, our apparel will both fit and flatter the Hampton team. Our clients are happy to wear Lands' End," said John Maher, vice president, Lands' End Business Outfitters. "We are pleased to provide Hampton a high-quality wardrobe collection that complements its corporate culture and helps to further strengthen the brand."
"Our product testing effort has yielded incredibly positive franchisee, general manager, team member and guest responses," Cordell noted. "With the choice and flexibility elements of our new wardrobe collection, we consider this program to be another step towards building and reinforcing our Hampton team member culture of people, engagement and empowerment," Cordell stated. "While product upgrades and amenities are a very important aspect of a hotel's success, it's the team members that help generate guest emotional loyalty. We believe that by focusing on our people, Hampton is helping to build a culture of connecting and ultimately drive guest engagement with our brand."
As with all phases of the brand's innovative "Make It Hampton" program, the company opted to test the new wardrobe rigorously before implementing it system-wide. More than 1,000 team members, 50 owners and 70 general managers were asked to participate in the testing process. Additionally, more than 400 guests were gauged for reaction.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
