ABERCROMBIE and Kent has rebranded its retail division under the name Outlook and is planning to expand the business to new sites.
The travel agency, which is based at the operator’s offices in Sloane Square, London, previously traded under the Abercrombie and Kent name.
Managing director Mike Jones said the name had changed to prevent customers getting the tour operator and agency confused.
“There was always confusion among customers about who they were dealing with, so we decided to rebrand the travel agency,” he said.
Customers who want to buy Abercrombie and Kent product will be dealt with by tour operator staff, not those in the travel agency.
Meanwhile, Jones said negotiations were underway with two undisclosed business travel agencies about opening Outlook implants in their City of London premises.
“They do retail as part of the package they offer to corporate customers, but it’s not core to their business. We have been talking about opening outlets within their premises,” he explained.
An announcement is expected in the next few weeks.
Jones is also looking into opening Outlook branches in department stores and banks.
The agency has just undergone a ú30,000 refurbishment, which has seen the creation of a lounge area with soft furnishings and snacks, for travel consultants and clients to do business in.
“The majority of people coming to us are prepared to spend a fair amount of money and they really want to be pampered,” said Jones.