Protected Travel Shop branch in Leyland to move to nearby village

Protected Trust Services (PTS) is set to close its Protected Travel Shop branch in Leyland and open a site in the village of Tarleton about nine miles west.

 

The company said it had decided to relocate the branch because the lease on the Leyland premises was coming to an end and footfall in the town had reduced since an out-of-town retail park opened.

 

Tarleton was identified as having a “thriving” high street with “great footfall”, with the four Leyland staff described as looking forward to the move.

 

PTS executive director Emma Collis said: “The team’s energy and commitment shine through in everything they do, and I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work that’s gone into making this move happen.”

The shop’s official opening, scheduled for November 21, will mean the village will host a travel agency for the first time in more than 15 years, Collis added.

 

She described the new premises as having “a more boutique feel” than the Leyland shop.

 

“This store has a slightly different feel to our others, which we felt was important to suit Tarleton’s character, and we’re excited to be doing something a little different,” she said.

 

Katrina Mcgouldrick, store manager of Protected Travel Shop Leyland, said: “Our team love getting to know our customers and understanding what makes their perfect trip, which is why we see so many returning and why our loyal Leyland clients are just as excited as we are about the move. We can’t wait to get in and get open.”

 

Protected Travel Shop retail area manager Jo Holloway added: “It’s been a pleasure meeting the local business community [in Tarleton], and we already feel at home here.”

 

The other Protected Travel Shop branches are based in Fleetwood and Cleveleys, also in Lancashire.

 

Both branches have been performing well, according to Collis.

 

“Patterns have shifted slightly from previous years, but we’re heading into what’s looking like a strong peaks period,” she said.

 

She added that short-haul trips represent about 60% of business but there has been significant growth in demand for cruise, as well as solo trips and “bucket list” holidays.