Audley Travel plans nationwide UK retail expansion

Audley Travel is weighing expansion into UK retail for the first time with plans to open physical stores in multiple locations across the country.

The tailor-made specialist, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, revealed the shift in recruitment listings for new store staff in locations including London, Oxfordshire, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Norwich, Reading, Southampton and Bristol.

The operator described the move as a “brand-new chapter” on the high street, aiming to capture footfall and build long-term client relationships.

Under the model, store-based Personal Travel Experts will drive in-store sales and manage customer relationships end-to-end.

They will design and sell standalone products – such as beach, cruise and short-haul breaks – independently, while collaborating with Audley’s destination-focused Country Specialists on complex long-haul itineraries.

Store teams will also host client engagement activities and in-store events. Roles are being advertised with a base salary of £29,000, plus commission.

In recruitment listings for the roles, Audley said: “As Audley Travel celebrates 30 years of creating extraordinary journeys, we’re opening a brand-new chapter as we expand into UK retail stores.

“You will combine proactive sales, relationship management, and travel expertise to convert retail footfall into long-term client relationships, while working collaboratively with Country Specialists to deliver a premium, personalised travel experience.”

An Audley Travel spokesperson told Travel Weekly: “Audley Travel is looking at options for its first retail presence in the UK. More details will be shared soon.”