The new 2,500 square foot store, at Leicester’s Highcross Shopping Centre, has opened following a £700,000 investment, creating 14 jobs.
The new branch is equipped with state-of-the-art features, including virtual reality headsets and multimedia screens displaying live-stream footage. The opening comes a year after a similar concept store in Newcastle.
Barrhead Travel chief executive Sharon Munro said: “We are extremely proud to unveil our second state-of-the-art branded store in England.
“We already have a presence there thanks to our Newcastle store, as well as supporting franchise branches and homeworkers trading across the Midlands, and we are excited to expand further south with our Leicester offering.
“It is our first distinct branded store in the area and, as our 70th UK location, boosts our already strong portfolio.”
Barrhead says the Leicester store will give holidaymakers the chance to become immersed in the scenery and culture of the locations they will be visiting, enabling them to view hotels, ships and locations on large screens.
The store also boasts a brand new multimedia desk that will be angled towards customers while the consultant works on their enquiry. Clients will be able to view videos and images of their chosen resort and even check out rooms and public areas of the hotels they are considering, along with the views from their veranda or balcony. Sandals Resorts will have its own dedicated area in the branch.
The new store is headed by Craig Campbell, who leads a team boasting more than 116 years of travel experience. The agency is keen to recruit experienced destination specialists. Those with the right skills are urged to get in touch with the store.
