Work on the Broughton store took seven weeks and completion was marked by a visit from Dame Irene Hays. First opened by Thomas Cook in 2000, Broughton was one of hundreds of outlets to transfer to Hays Travel when it acquired the entire portfolio of former Cook shops.

Branch manager Emma Manley, who recently revealed some of her shop floor secrets to TTG, said: “We’re so proud of our shop and can’t wait to reopen and welcome our lovely customers back.

"After the collapse of Thomas Cook in 2019, and then the pandemic, this coming January will be the first for several years with nothing stopping us. We have a gorgeous new look and a full team, this is going to be the best January ever.”

Changes to the former impractical layout include lowering the double height ceiling that made the space difficult to heat and meant changing a lightbulb required a cherry picker.
 
Jane Schumm, Hays retail director, said: “We have a three-year refurbishment strategy, and this has been our most ambitious and expensive refit to date. 

“Broughton still has the wow factor, but it’s now accessible, efficient, and easier to maintain, we are really pleased with the results and look forward to hearing what our customers and staff think.”