Thomas Cook is poised to open a new-concept store in Leeds that will be a test bed for developments at other shops.
The 1,400sq ft store, in the White Rose shopping centre in Leeds, is due to open just before Christmas allowing customers and staff to put the new ideas to the test through the peak booking period.
Customers will be able to research and book holidays however they choose, whether searching and booking on a tablet, consulting one of 25 in-store staff, watching a video or checking in on Facebook to qualify for a special offer.
Thomas Cook retail director Joanna Wild said: “The new store will be more ‘Apple’ than travel, using technology and techniques championed by iconic high-tech brands.”
The development follows extensive customer research and focus groups and will showcase the company’s vision of the future for the high street.
Recently appointed head of retail Lucy Green, who is in charge of the project, said: “The aim is to build a store that allows customers to engage and interact with us in any way they want.
“Our research found customers want options, and they felt the only option at the moment was to come in and sit with a consultant for a significant amount of time. The research focused on what they would like the store to be, and how they wanted to engage with us.”
The launch comes after Thomas Cook announced fresh changes to its UK management last week and confirmed that Pete Constanti, global head of destination management and chief people officer, will leave at the end of December after 21 years’ service. A company spokeswoman said: “We wish Pete every success.”