President Jacqueline Dobson and sales and marketing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell were among 18 head office colleagues – including directors, heads of department and other head office employees – who got a reminder of life on the shop floor where some started their careers.

In anticipation of another busy peaks Saturday, a pay-day Saturday no less, the team were on hand to provide additional sales resource, manage waiting areas and meet and greet excited clients.

The day got under way with a company-wide briefing from Dobson and Tempest-Mitchell, with Saturday’s business eventually topping Barrhead’s previous record day – set earlier this month. It also contributed to what will be the independent’s strongest monthly performance in its history.

Dobson spent her Saturday at Barrhead’s Livingston branch, situated in a busy shopping centre. "What a day," she said. "The atmosphere in the branch was phenomenal, and I know this was echoed in our stores across the country.

“What struck me most was how committed people are to booking holidays right now – they are determined to get trips locked in as quickly as possible. We had queues of people almost all day with a mix of loyal and new-to-brand customers."

Dobson added: "Days like Saturday remind me how hard our teams work and how much our customers value their knowledge. I forgot just how high the energy can be in branch, particularly on a payday weekend in January. There’s something really special about seeing how the team comes together to support each other and celebrate a successful day."

Branches were also challenged to a TikTok "Clap Clap" dance-off, made famous by Glasgow TikToker Gary Paterson, and shared across Barrhead social media. Paterson spotted the teams’ efforts and made a surprise appearance at Barrhead’s Oswald Street store in Glasgow to film the dance, with his video already racking up almost 400,000 views.

Tempest-Mitchell, who spent the day in Burnley and got a family summer holiday to Florida and a Lapland trip over the line, added: "It was incredible being back on the shop floor, putting myself in the shoes of one of our travel consultants. I spent many years working in retail, so it was good to get back to my routes and I even sold a few holidays.

"We’re at a pivotal point in travel industry recovery. Sales have been fantastic and I can’t remember a time where appetite for travel was so high. For me, that’s why it was so important to get back to branch now and understand exactly what a day looks like for our agents so we can see what’s working well and what learnings we can take away."