YORKSHIRE agency Sunwin Travel has become the latest retailer to enter the superstore arena with the opening of a £500,000 shop in Bradford.
The 22-branch chain, which is part of the Co-op alliance, opened the store last Friday.
It is situated in Sunwin House, a department store in the city centre.
Managing director Alan Judge said technology will play a crucial role in its success.
“We have an 8ft square video screen displaying late deals, TV monitors and touch-point technology for customers to research their own late deals,” he said.
“They can also access the world travel guide.
“We have placed great importance and invested heavily in technology as this is clearly the way forward for the trade.”
He said the latest search will be based solely on price with no operator preference.
“Because we are not aligned to anyone we can offer a full range of deals.” said Judge. “The search will come up with the cheapest deal irrespective of which operator it is.”
Customers will be able to print off a late deal and take it to one of the 23 sales consultants who sit at individual desks.
The shop, which will employ 40 staff, also has a licensed cafe which will serve food and an executive lounge.
Ancillary travel products including luggage, sun tan lotion, sunglasses, guide books and maps will also be sold while a photo processing lab is also on site.
“I compare the shop to the departure lounge at Manchester Airport,” said Judge. “It is not just about buying holidays.
“A range of products are available which will get people through the door wether they are booking a holiday or not.”
Judge predicted turnover for the new store would hit £16m compared to the average turnover of the chain’s high-street shops of £2.4m.
Further superstores are being planned, he added.
The existing Sunwin Travel shop in the department store will be closed with staff transferring to the new unit