Swindon Travel Hub has revealed its second shop will open in Cirencester next month, ahead of the busy wave and peaks selling season.
Company directors Shaun Jones and Ashley Hunt revealed in August that a second shop was in the pipeline as they celebrated the first anniversary of their debut shop in Swindon.
Now they have announced Cirencester (pictured) as their second location – with a third branch being “very much part of the longer-term strategy”, said Jones.
He said the look and feel will follow the “same welcoming style” as the Swindon shop, but it will trade under a sister brand: Premium Cruises & Tours.
“We selected Cirencester because it is a thriving market town with a strong appetite for premium travel and cruise holidays,” he told Travel Weekly.
“It has a busy high street, affluent customer base, and has close links to our original shop, making it an ideal setting for a second bricks-and-mortar shop.
“Ash and I spent several months viewing potential sites before securing the unit that offered strong visibility, easy access and the right footprint for a specialist travel environment.
“The aim is to open the doors in mid-December, subject to final fit-out and signage being completed on schedule.”
He said the new shop will be staffed with the existing team from Swindon Travel Hub to “ensure consistency with the exceptional service and customer focus that has made the first store so successful”, alongside a small number of new team members recruited specifically for Cirencester.
“This blend of experienced staff and fresh talent will maintain the high standards our customers expect,” added Jones.
The agency is part of Barrhead Travel’s Brilliant Travel brand and employs two homeworkers – one cruise expert based in Newcastle, and another based in Spain, supporting the expat community.
“We are always open to expanding this side of the business if someone with the right attitude and drive comes along,” added Jones.
The Swindon Travel Hub recently presented a £5,000 holiday voucher to customer Mark Cusack, who won the prize in a draw.
The announcement was made in front of an audience at the Old Town Christmas Light Switch On event in Swindon at the weekend.
Jones said the draw was a “thank you” for customers’ support and to celebrate the company’s growth.
“Offering something substantial created real excitement and gave someone the chance to plan a remarkable holiday they might not otherwise book,” he added.
“The prize draw was a fantastic success, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience. The lively atmosphere, combined with announcing the winner on stage, created a memorable moment and highlighted the brand’s commitment to engaging with the community.
“Event organisers estimate over 4,000 people attended, giving excellent exposure for the brand while also giving someone an early Christmas present.”
Jones said November sales have slowed “slightly” because many customers held off for Black Friday, but overall sales have remained “strong”.
“Demand continues for cruises, tailor-made holidays and long-haul trips, with enquiries remaining healthy as we head into the winter period,” he continued.
“The promotions have helped in some cases; however, there has been some confusion caused by brands launching pre-pre-Black Friday offers ahead of pre-Black Friday offers ahead of their main deals! Customers can find this confusing.
“In contrast, suppliers who provide clear offers with set deadlines just after Cyber Monday make it much easier for everyone to understand and take advantage of the deals.”
He expects the traditional ‘wave’ and peak booking period after Christmas will again be the busiest time of the year for the agency, so he and Hunt are talking to suppliers to secure key partnerships and “a strong line-up of offers”.
