Midcounties Co-operative Travel has reopened 14 of 16 former Central England Co-operative branches after a transfer agreement between the two Co-ops was finalised.
Last month, Midcounties announced it would be taking on the 16 branches, including staff, with the remaining eight travel branches in the Central England estate due to close.
Of the 16 transferred branches, 14 have now reopened in Allenton (Derbyshire), Atherstone (Warwickshire), Lowestoft (Suffolk), Castle Donington, Ibstock and Whetstone (Leicestershire), Diss, Kings Lynn and Thetford (Norfolk), Erdington (West Midlands), Market Deeping (Lincolnshire), Oakham (Rutland), March and Peterborough (Cambridgeshire).
The branch in Glenfield, Leicestershire is due to open in two weeks’ time, while the shop in Beccles, Suffolk, will open in new premises in the autumn.
Shop fascias, decor and uniforms will initially remain unchanged, but will be updated over time to feature Midcounties’ Co-operative Travel branding.
Natalie Turner, head of branches for Co-operative Travel, said: “I am delighted that Midcounties Co-operative Travel now has a presence in several new counties across the UK, including Suffolk, Norfolk, Rutland and Lincolnshire.
“The new branches will complement our existing trading areas whilst providing further growth for our brand. 78 former Central England Co-operative colleagues have joined Co-operative Travel, bringing our portfolio of Co-operative Travel shops to over 70.”
She added: “Our customer analysis shows that our holidaymakers prefer to liaise with their usual branch team directly by visiting the travel store, calling the branch directly or arranging a video conference call.
“Our new colleagues are eager to be an active part of the high street and their communities once again, offering the wide range of travel experiences and brands that we sell, with holidays at home and abroad to suit every taste and budget.”
Until now, Co-operative Travel branches have been operating an appointment system, but from this week walk-in enquiries will be allowed based on customer numbers at the time.
Rad Sofronijevic, chief operating officer of Midcounties Co-operative’s travel division, said: “The Midcounties Co-operative transfer agreement with Central England Co-operative is an example of the wider co-operative movement working together to reduce costs, whilst continuing to offer co-operative solutions to members’ travel needs.
“Travel is core to Midcounties’ long-term strategy, so with our scale and expertise, we look forward to helping grow and nurture the former Central England Co-operative branches to ensure their success in the future.”