Barrhead Travel has invested £250,000 in the future of Scotland’s high streets through a series of store refits, expansions and new uniforms for customer-facing teams.
The first half of this year has seen the revamp of four stores including the Gyle, Braehead, Newton Mearns and Glasgow Forge and features new branding, experience-led areas, a furniture refresh and updated store layouts.
It follows the relocation of its Silverburn shopping centre store last year which moved to a larger unit as well as the opening of a new flagship store in Glasgow’s Gordon Street.
The investment forms part of a wider programme with more stores planned to undergo refits in the future.
The travel agent has a longstanding commitment to bricks and mortar retail, saying it creates a memorable experience for its customers. The group also recently announced plans for opening a second store in Northern Ireland as part of its ambition to expand. The site yet to be confirmed, with Barrhead Travel looking to recruit experienced agents to help identify local opportunities.
In addition to renovating their stores, Barrhead Travel has invested in new uniform for customer-facing roles across its UK-wide retail network. The more modern design includes 25 new pieces designed to be mixed and matched for every season. It also ties in with the company’s initiative in modernising their high street appearance.
Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, said: “We know from track record that there’s still very much an appetite for travel agents to have a store presence and in turn hope this brings people back to the UK high streets.
“As well as running a successful business that supports local jobs, we also want to be creating a legacy in the cities in which we operate and help the high streets flourish for generations to come.
“By investing in our stores and our employees, we’re reaffirming our commitment and hope that other companies follow suit.”