Seaside Travel reports ‘amazing response’ to opening of new Gateshead shop

Seaside Travel has reported an “amazing response” to the opening of its 13th branch and hinted at a 14th shop in the near future.

 

The shop in Low Fell, a suburb of Gateshead, was opened on Friday, May 2, by the mayor of Gateshead Kath McCartney, who said she would be booking her own holiday with the agency.

 

Owner Nicola Park described the launch as “another proud moment” for ‘Mr and Mrs Seaside’, referring to herself and partner Barry Coatman.

 

She said: “We had customers queuing to get into the shop. We could have done with doubling the size of the premises, and the turnout of our loyal tour operator friends and Hays Independence Group was great to see. I could not have done this without my team of ‘Seasiders’.”

 

Local shop owners also turned up at the launch with cards and gifts, including platters of food, wine, and balloons.

 

Head of business and commercial Paula Gleeson and other members of the senior management team also attended to ensure a smooth opening day.

 

Gleeson said the shop was inundated with enquiries on its first day. “The girls had that many enquiries on the opening day they did not have time to check them all so Saturday was also a very busy day for the team,” she said.

 

The new shop has a team of four staff and is overseen by regional sales manager for the west Rebecca Rutter, who gave the shop’s first three customers flowers and Prosecco as well as extra loyalty card stamps.

 

Currently Rutter has seven shops under her remit while Donna Baker, regional sales manager for the east, has six.

 

Gleeson added: “Donna has said we need another shop so we are even [in shop numbers] and Nicola has said ‘watch this space everyone’ so I guess we will not be having a rest. Shop number 14 soon!”

 

Pictured: Staff at the Low Fell branch with senior management and regional managers