ILKESTON Co-op has opened its second holiday superstore in Meadow Retail Park in Sheffield, featuring an Italian-style piazza where customers can buy food and drink and browse through brochures.
The 8,000sq ft shop, called The Big Vacation, also has a mock-building facade, lamp-posts, a fountain and a bandstand.
Sales and development director Neil Smillie said:”It is different from any other store in that customers will experience a holiday atmosphere the minute they walk in the door.”
Smillie said the bandstand would be used for weekend promotions on different destinations, incorporating food, music and staff dressed in national costume.
In the week, events such as indoor bowling and painting competitions will be held.
Intranet facilities, which offer a limited Internet service, will be available for customers to look up information on subjects such as destinations, weather and visas. Travel guides and other accessories will be on sale from a barrow in the piazza.
The Big Vacation has a staff of 35, headed by manager Andy Melton. More than 20 agents are new recruits to the industry who have undergone a three-month training course by the Travel Training Company. The rest are experienced staff.
Smillie claims that Ilkeston Co-op pioneered the travel superstore with the opening of its very first shop in Ilkeston in 1972. The 9,700sq ft outlet was last refurbished in 1995.
The opening of The Big Vacation means Ilkeston Co-op now has two superstores out of 30 shops.
However, Smillie would not be drawn on whether the company planned to add more superstores.
“We have to let the new shop work and then assess it in a few months,” he said. “But I am very confident about this project.”