The Hut Group acquires hotel group to support beauty portfolio with experiences

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 2, 2019

Fashion and beauty e-commerce business The Hut Group has dived deeper into the hospitality sector by acquiring the Eclectic Hotel Group, which comprises two prestigious luxury boutique hotels in Manchester.

The Hut Group said the deal demonstrates its innovative approach to engaging with consumers in both the online and offline environment. The two four-star hotels, King Street Townhouse and Great John Street Hotel, will form part of the firm’s marketing infrastructure, and help deliver enhanced consumer experiences, influencer and brand-led events as well as content creation.

“As a fast-growing, brand-led business we are always looking to develop innovative approaches to drive greater engagement with our customers and today’s acquisition is testament to that strategy. With consumer behaviour continuing to evolve away from the traditional high street setting, these two highly prestige hotels will be instrumental in showcasing our leading Beauty and Wellbeing brands,” commented Matthew Moulding, founder and chief executive officer of The Hut Group.

The company has also recently added French hair care retailer Christophe Robin to its beauty offering, which also includes leading retailers and brands such as Lookfantastic.com, Espa, Illamasqua and Grow Gorgeous.

Both hotels are located in Manchester city centre, not far from Manchester Arndale shopping centre and Exchange Square, where high-end brands including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Ted Baker have stores.

But this is not the first time The Hut Group invests in leisure property. In 2016 the company acquired the premium Hale Country Club & Spa in Timperley, Altrincham. And further supporting the group’s new acquisition, The Hut Group has pledged to invest £10m in a refurbishment plan for King Street Townhouse and Great John Street Hotel.

Eamonn O’Loughlin, founder of the Eclectic Hotel Group, said: “While it has been a difficult decision for us to take, we feel both hotels are going into the best of hands with Matthew and his team and we are extremely proud of the portfolio that we have built over the years.”