Thomas Cook is planning to open up to 20 new shops in
Sainsbury’s following an agreement that gives the operator
first priority on concessions in any new store.
UK chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said it is currently
evaluating site options for in-store agencies that it hopes to get
up and running as quickly as possible once a decision is made. “We
have a relationship with Sainsbury’s where we are the first
port of call for its new developments,” he said.
He said the move had been made after seeing much higher footfall
than expected in the 15 Thomas Cook outlets already open in the
supermarket’s stores. Rents are also at least 30% lower than
high-street stores.
Fontenla-Novoa said the move is part of a drive to ensure the
right products are targeted at the right customers. This strategy
has led to the opening of a new store on Fleet Street which will
sell product targeted to the holiday needs of City workers.
Fontenla-Novoa claimed while Going Places also has a deal
allowing it to open shops in Sainsbury’s stores, they are at
sites Thomas Cook had already rejected. Going Places refused to
comment.
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