HOLIDAY shopping channel Travel Shop Direct is to change its name to avoid confusion with rival TV Travel Shop.
The climbdown, just three weeks after its launch, comes after TV Travel Shop joint managing direct Harry Goodman threatened legal action against the fledgling company, as exclusively revealed by Travel Weekly. Goodman claimed the name was too similar to his own company and would confuse the viewer.
Commercial director Gary Wardrope has admitted it will rebrand but denied the move was forced upon the company.
“Our lawyers have said there is no legal case to answer so that is not the reason behind this,” said Wardrope.”Our belief is that if there is a perceived issue of confusion then we want to change.”
Wardrope was unable to reveal the new name although it is likely to retain travel and direct but drop the word shop. Sources said this is what led to Goodman’s threat of legal action. “He was upset as any confusion would harm the more established company.”
Meanwhile, four or five operators, including cruise and short-break specialists, are thought to be close to signing with Travel Shop Direct.
Only Airtours currently features on the channel which is broadcast on Sky Digital and cable networks.