Travel shops within Central England Co-operative achieved a “good performance” last year as six former Thomas Cook branches were taken over.
The ex-Thomas Cook stores moved across in October to give the society a total of 26 travel outlets.
Travel sales in 2018 included “encouraging growth” in niche holiday sectors, with escorted tours, cruise and worldwide tailor-made itineraries all performing well.
The Staffordshire-based organisation, which trades across 16 counties, said this was supported by good relationships with our wide range of tour operator partners.
A trial of Sunday opening is being planned as part of a review of opening hours.
“Our approach is designed to ensure the society’s travel business maintains its position as a specialist holiday provider offering wide choice, value and a high quality service for our members and customers,” the group’s annual report said.
Overall Central England Co-operative gross sales rose by 2.5% in 2018 to £869.9 million with trading profit up 4.4% to £18.1 million over the previous year.
The six ex-Thomas Cook shops transferred overat Atherstone, Castle Donington, Glenfield, Ibstock, Oakham and Stirchley were described as all trading well, with positive feedback from customers and staff.
The society also relocated and refurbished its St Neots branch in 2018.
The annual report added: “Our travel money business and money transfer service continue to be important revenue streams.
“We have also continued to drive sales and awareness of holiday essentials such as attraction tickets, airport parking, travel insurance and car hire, which all help to offer customers the complete ‘one stop’ holiday shop for all their holiday needs.
“Looking forward, we continue to review our travel shop opening hours – including trialling Sunday trading – to provide greater opportunities for customers to discuss their holiday ideas and travel plans.
“As consumer confidence continues to strengthen in the holiday market, we remain confident that our travel business is well positioned to meet the needs and requirements of our members and customers.”
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