Barrhead unveils plans for retail expansion as it marks 50 years

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Barrhead Travel staff at the agency's 50th anniversary event

Barrhead Travel plans to open at least three new shops by the end of the year as it continues to champion high street retail.

President Jacqueline Dobson said the agency, which currently has 49 branches, is hoping to open two or more shops in yet-to-be-announced locations, to join the already-announced new Northern Ireland outlet set to open by September.

“In addition to the Northern Ireland store, we’re hoping to open at least another two by the end of the year,” revealed Dobson, speaking at Barrhead Travel’s 50th anniversary party in Glasgow on June 12.

High street regeneration

Dobson said the agency’s shopping centre and retail park branches have been performing “extremely well” this year, but sales at some high street branches have been a little slower.

“That’s why we’re working with the government and the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association to encourage the government to regenerate and invest in some of the high streets that need a boost,” she added. “A lot of high streets are being propped up by travel agencies, charity shops and coffee shops.”

More: Barrhead Travel reports expansion for Brilliant Travel divisions [Feb 25]

Overall sales for the year so far have been “a bit up and down”, said Dobson, with a softer April followed by an “absolutely fantastic” May and a strong start to June. She attributed the weaker April to the Easter holiday falling that month and sustained periods of good weather inthe UK.

Despite the mixed performance, Barrhead Travel’s sales are up 11% year on year and Dobson is feeling positive about the lates period, despite planned strikes at some airports causing “a bit of concern”.

“I’m really optimistic about how the year is going to end,” she said. “There are lots of great offers and great value for money, so I think it’ll be a good lates season. There’s definitely some capacity in certain pockets and at certain times, but I wouldn’t say there’s lots left to sell.”

Dobson shared her bright outlook as the agency marked 50 years of trading with a celebration held at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow – the city where it opened its first branch.

Gabe Rizzi, Altour; with Helena Daras, Jacqueline Dobson and Ka-Wai Siu, all Internova

‘Customer-first approach’

The black-tie event was attended by about 220 suppliers and staff and included speeches from Dobson and Barrhead managing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, and guest speaker Lynn Narraway, Seabourn vice‑president for the UK and EMEA.

Guests also enjoyed a three-course dinner and a performance from party band Groove Culture.

In her opening speech, Dobson praised the “customer-first approach” of the late Bill Munro, who opened the first Barrhead branch in Barrhead High Street in 1975.

“It all started when former banker Bill Munro found all his local travel agencies were closed in the evenings and on Sundays,” explained Dobson, who is also celebrating 25 years working for the company this year.

“It wasn’t long after opening that he decided to take the Sunday market as well and Barrhead Travel became a seven-day operation – leading the way for high street agencies of the future.”

Dobson, who was promoted to an executive leadership role at Barrhead parent company Internova Travel Group last year, praised the agency’s staff, citing them as the reason the company has managed to overcome the numerous hurdles the industry has faced.

“Across every decade, every crisis and every challenge, there’s been one constant that has always driven Barrhead Travel forward: our people,” Dobson said. “Barrhead Travel is only a success because of the people behind it.”