Barrhead Travel has launched its first “experiential” store in Southampton.
The opening, on Tuesday (May 29), takes Barrhead’s retail network to more than 70 premises across the UK.
Inside, there are separate cruise and long-haul areas, although the outlet will cater for all holiday types.
It will also offer a foreign currency exchange.
The new store has created approximately 12 new jobs in the area, with manager Paul Hermann a travel industry veteran of more than 30 years experience across various sectors and roles.
He specialises in selling Sandals product, round the world voyages and cruise.
Assistant manager Stephanie Topping, meanwhile, has been in travel for 10 years and is a cruise specialist. She has previously worked with Thomas Cook and has expertise in long-haul and package travel.
The team is further bolstered by another Sandals expert, Sarah Cook. She is the brand’s top seller in the Southampton area with knowledge of the Caribbean specialist Barrhead says is “second to none”. She has also previously worked for Virgin where she gained vital knowledge of Florida.
Team leader Simon Hanks completes the management team. After 11 years with Thomas Cook, Hanks knows package travel well and is also a cruise expert.
The store’s sales consultants include Sacha Joplin, Madeline Rowsell, Sarah Hillard, Chesney Miedzwiecki, Mark Devaney and Abigail Dodds.