Virgin Holidays has announced plans to open 29 ‘retail lite’ concession stores in Tesco supermarkets nationwide.
The tour operator has already opened the first two of its concessions under the new ‘retail lite’ concept in Tesco superstores in Dover and Knocknagoney, Belfast. A further 10 are due to open in cities including Swindon, Hastings and Basildon before the end of September, with all 29 sites operational by the end of November this year. The next opening is in Swindon, tomorrow, August 14.
The concessions average 250 square foot in size and are designed for customers who have already done their holiday research – they may even have received a quote or booking – but want the security of a face-to-face conversation before they book. They feature the technology and shopping experience already tested at the operator’s two ‘holiday laboratories’.
Virgin Holidays director of sales, trading, Lee Haslett said: “These ‘capsule’ outlets are for customers who value a one-on-one conversation with our experienced retail staff about options before making a booking.”
The focus of the new stores is on speed, convenience and flexibility, he said. They are in addition to more than 100 existing stores, mostly concession-based stores in department stores such as House of Fraser, Debenhams, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
The company has partnered with Tesco to identify high footfall locations where customers use stores for more than just their grocery shopping.
Haslett added: “We share an absolute commitment to the customer, and a desire to create a shopping experience around their needs and lifestyle.”
The first two ‘retail lite’ stores in Dover and Belfast have already seen high demand from customers, Virgin said, with booking volumes at the Belfast store already 176% above target.