Barrhead Travel has opened its first dedicated luxury and business travel store with private cabanas and a champagne bar.
The 5,000sq ft store in Glasgow’s St Vincent Street now houses the company’s corporate travel division, Business Travel Solutions.
The company said the shop was a “whole new concept” targeting high-spending clients who want privacy and personalised service when booking. It is also designed for events with a presentation area and large reception area.
Barrhead chief executive Sharon Munro (pictured) said clients had been impressed by the store, which opened in December.
“Clients are amazed how different it is from a traditional travel agency – it’s a relaxed and comfortable place where customers who are looking to invest large amounts in their holidays can discuss their plans with experienced consultants.”
She added: “The huge plasma screens in the windows with travel images are real show-stoppers and we frequently hear drivers who have stopped at the lights outside the store being tooted to move on as they’re so captivated by them.”
Most of the 46 staff working in the new shop are existing employees, with a small number of new recruits. The move has freed up space in the agency’s Oswald Street superstore for a batch of new recruits in package, long-haul and cruise sales and in the contact centre. The 22-strong business travel team moved from Oswald Street.
Munro added: “The business travel team’s move was prompted by the fact that business has increased substantially in the last two years – they had outgrown the premises in Oswald Street.”
Barrhead has also recently opened three new shops at Glasgow Forge, Dumfries and Greenock. It plans to move to a larger store within the Gyle Centre in Edinburgh this year.