Midcounties Co-op completes transfer of Central England Co-op stores

The agreement, which was first announced in July, sees the agencies become part of Co-operative Travel and 14 shops have already reopened to the public, with the other two set to follow shortly.

Natalie Turner, head of branches for Co-operative Travel, said: “I am delighted that Midcounties’ Co-operative Travel now has a presence in several new counties across the UK, including Suffolk, Norfolk, Rutland and Lincolnshire.”

The move increases Co-operative Travel’s retail network to more than 70 shops, while 78 former Central England Co-operative staff have also transferred over as part of the deal.

“It’s fantastic to have opened 14 new branches alongside our existing portfolio of Co-operative Travel stores,” added Turner.

“Our customer analysis shows that our holidaymakers prefer to liaise with their usual branch team directly by visiting the travel store, calling the branch directly or arranging a video conference call.”

The branch in Beccles, Suffolk, is due to reopen in new premises during the autumn, with some staff currently from that shop currently working in Lowestoft, while the store in Glenfield, Leicestershire, will open in two weeks.

Central England Co-op is closing its eight remaining travel branches after the group announced plans for a "move away from travel".