Cheshire-based operator Eden Luxury Travel is set to grow its retail presence into the south and is eyeing up potential store locations.
The luxury tour operator, which currently has two stores – one in Chester and the other in Knutsford – is looking to open a third in the South. To achieve this, Ben Murtagh has been appointed as travel director to oversee the retail expansion.
Currently, Eden has homeworkers based in the south, but no stores. Murtagh, who has worked in travel for 10 years at brands including Western & Oriental, ITC and most recently London-based agency Thames Travel, will start his new role on October 1 and will be tasked with opening a store in the “immediate future”.
While he wouldn’t reveal its exact location, he said it would be in the Home Counties and within an hour of London. He plans to recruit three or four staff for the store, which would act as a “showroom for high-end travel”.
Murtagh, who is a specialist in luxury travel, said: “Eden is a very established luxury brand which has a brilliant business model. They have a strong presence in the north and have wanted to expand their retail presence into the south for some time. There’s plenty of luxury lovers in this area, and that opens up a big opportunity for Eden.
“I’m excited about the prospect of putting my stamp on something. I’ll be responsible for the delivery, marketing of and running of the store as well as providing a discerning service to our clients. Eden is a brand that is fresh thinking and innovative who are keen to expand.”
The company is run by founders Paul Beacall and Jon Clee.