grand hotel
mackinac Island, Mi

Case Study:
Transforming the Guest Experience at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

Objective:
To create a modern, elevated, and immersive luxury guest experience at the iconic Grand Hotel that honors its history while evolving the story of the property. The focus: reimagining and activating the first-floor retail corridor as a dynamic extension of the hotel’s brand.

Approach:
Developed a creative strategy and design concept for the transformation of the Grand Hotel’s first-floor corridor—one of the most historically significant spaces in the property.

The vision was to design a unique luxury, relaxing immersive shopping and hospitality experience that reinforced the Grand Hotel’s story while expanding revenue opportunities.

  • Designing and curating six distinct new retail concepts, a specialty coffee market, a gallery, and a golf course-focused retail shop. A fresh Florist and market and a curated "Somewhere in Time" exhibit 

  • Developing store design and merchandising assortments that captured both the heritage of the Grand Hotel and the spirit of discovery.

  • Enhancing the guest journey by blending brand storytelling, hospitality, and commerce into a seamless, elevated corridor experience.

All of this was executed under extraordinary conditions—during the COVID-19 winter, within just six months, on a frozen island accessible only by horse-and-carriage freight.

Clothing store display with mannequins wearing casual clothes, racks of various jackets and shirts, and accessories like hats on tables.

Results:

The retail corridor transformation delivered immediate and measurable impact:

  • Revenue Growth: Increased retail revenue by 120% in the first year, with volume now tripled.

  • Enhanced Guest Experience: Guests reported a more engaging, immersive, and enjoyable stay through expanded offerings and storytelling.

  • Maximized Brand Storytelling: Reinforced the Grand Hotel’s legacy while creating new opportunities for growth.

Three teddy bears hanging on white and orange T-shirts on a hanger against a mint green wall.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thoughtful, design-led retail strategy can elevate brand narrative and create new revenue streams.

  • Even under complex logistical constraints, bold creative concepts can transform a historic space into a modern, successful, and holistic experience.