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Hays Travel to reopen Thomas Cook stores ‘where possible’

Thomas Cook
Gary Noakes
9 October 2019

All 555 Thomas Cook shops bought by Hays Travel could reopen after the agency chain stunned the industry with its decisive swoop for Cook’s retail network.

The association said it had launched a "full review" of its members’ relationships with agents

Cook's UK store network was acquired by Hays Travel shortly after the brand collapsed in September 2019

Hays has bought the entire retail portfolio of 555 former Thomas Cook shops after it signed a deal with the Official Receiver and Special Managers from KPMG. In addition, more than 100 new jobs will be created at the company’s headquarters.

The Sunderland-based company, which already has 190 shops, plans to open “all the shops with immediate effect where possible”.

John Hays said: “It is a game-changer for us, almost trebling the number of shops we have and doubling our workforce – and for the industry, which will get to keep some of its most talented people. Our staff were devastated to hear about Thomas Cook and we all immediately felt we wanted to help.”