ao link

 

Comment Alan Bowen: End of the high street or beginning of a new reality?

Comment Alan Bowen: End of the high street or beginning of a new reality?

The announcement that Thomas Cook has begun consultations with staff at 39 of its branches must have been a shock for employees, and has been seen by some as a sign that the high street may not be as healthy as recent statistics would suggest.


But with more than 700 branches including the old Co-operative Travel stores, Cook may have agencies in the wrong place, whose leases are coming to an end.


This is a very good time to realise that signing another five agencies for 15 years makes no sense. Cook itself has reported that 43% of sales are now online and new branches will be opening in shopping centres – often the cause of closures elsewhere.


Just what do these new closures mean? In all likelihood, it’s that Cook is taking a hard look at its rental costs – something every agency should be doing.


For travel agents generally, the outlook remains bright.


Know your customers, develop long-term relationships, keep your costs under control and those that want great advice will continue to flock through your doors.


Alan Bowen, legal adviser to the Association of Atol Companies

Sign up for weekday travel news and analysis straight to your inbox

Latest travel jobs

Assistant Manager - Birkenhead

Assistant Manager - Birkenhead

Travel Consultant - Wallasey

Travel Consultant - Wallasey

Store Manager - Cameron Toll

Store Manager - Cameron Toll

Our Next Events

TTG/PwC Agenda 2024: Spring Breakfast

TTG/PwC Agenda 2024: Spring Breakfast

Luxpo 2024

Luxpo 2024

TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2024

TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2024

TTG - Travel Trade Gazette
For Smarter, Better, Fairer Travel
B Corp-certified
TTG Media Limited.
Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU