Seaside Travel is to open its eighth and ninth stores in the next six weeks.
Owner Nicola Park told Travel Weekly she “can’t believe” she is opening two more shops, one of which is in Boldon Colliery, Tyne and Wear and the other in Prudhoe, south Northumberland.
Park, who opened three stores last year, said both new shops need to have the “guts ripped out of them” before they can open, making them the “most challenging” premises she has invested in so far.
More: New roles created as Seaside Travel expands
Once open, Park plans to employ between four and five staff in each.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this but when an opportunity comes up you’ve got to grab it with both hands,” she said.
“About twenty years ago, Bolden Colliery used to have a First Choice in the Asda which was the most successful in the northeast region and it’s a proper community there, it’s great.
“One of my girls from the Haltwhistle store suggested Prudhoe so we went and it’s such a thriving place with every different kind of shop you could possibly think of. The councillor there told me it’s because he doesn’t want anyone to ever have to leave the two as it’s got everything you could need, and it’s also surrounded by thriving places as well.
“Everyone has made us feel very welcome in the short time we’ve been in both places and I can wait to employ some local girls, get jobs going and give them some fantastic Seaside holiday deals.”
She added: “Am I mad? Probably. But am I right? Usually!”