Luxury long-haul specialist Turquoise Holidays is to open its first high street shop later this year to coincide with the operator’s expansion into the family market.
The company, which began trading as an Australasian specialist 11 years ago, will open its shop on Northcote Road, near Clapham Junction, London, in September, and plans to open further shops if the venture proves successful.
Speaking to Travel Weekly, James Bell, marketing director, said it was “the perfect time” to make the step into retail, a move he believes will drive growth.
“This is something we have been looking at doing for a while and finding the location in what is known as ‘nappy valley’ is perfect for us, especially as we are looking to branch out to these young professionals who have just started families.
“This is our first foray into true retailing and it’s exciting because it will give us the facility to capture more of the family market.
“We have had significant growth of 20% each year and we now hope to get that up to 30%. We believe there is a real bounce‑back for retail and that’s why we have taken that step and some of our competitors have too.
“We would quickly look at other locations throughout the UK if our judgment and plan prove correct.”
Bell said the shop, which will employ up to seven staff, would have a “beach-house feel”, with a fridge stocked with champagne to help honeymooners celebrate their plans, and cookies for children.
Currently, up to 5% of sales are through the trade, but Bell said the company was keen to start “actively promoting” itself to agents with the aim of doubling its volume of trade sales.