Your Co-op Travel is to open a relocated branch under a new design to be rolled out across the agency’s network.
The new branch, part of the Midcounties Co-operative, will be located at Hylton Court Shopping Centre in Lydney, Gloucestershire, featuring a new interactive map and digital screens for customers to scroll through the latest offers.
It is the second branch to feature the new format, following the relocation of the group’s newly designed Sutton Coldfield branch, which also has an interactive map and digital screens.
Sara Dunham, chief officer for travel and leisure for The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “The opening of our new branch in Lydney marks an exciting next step for our branch team, members and customers, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the local community through our doors.
“Not only does our new space include more digital and interactive features to inspire adventures across the globe, but with every new booking we’re helping to do good together by giving back to the local community through our charity and community partners.”
The new format has been designed in partnership with interior and design agency Twelve Studio.
The company, which was involved in the initial stages of the new branch design, said: “The idea behind the new design was to ensure that members, customers and staff are at the heart of the in-branch experience and that the physical store wasn’t just a place to book trips.
“It was designed to make interactions easy and inspire customers, whereby you could get information through digital tools or chat with the branch team in person, making it much more than just a travel agency.”
The shop, which has already opened, plans to give customers a chance to win £100 towards a holiday at its official launch with a special ‘Spin To Win’ wheel game.
Your Co-op Travel tote bags with holiday essentials will be handed out to customers who visit the branch for a holiday quote during the first week of trading while branded cupcakes and refreshments will be available at the official opening day event.
The branch, previously located on Newerne Street, will continue to place importance on supporting the community through the Your Co-op Travel Community Fund which offers £500 grants to local causes.
This year’s local charity and community partners include Gloucestershire Young Carers, Gloucestershire Deaf Association and Forest Pulse.
The agency has raised more than £30,000 up to now for Gloucestershire Young Carers, supporting more than 1,000 young people who care for family members who are ill or disabled. Forest Pulse provides out-of-school support and activities for children and young people with disabilities, and Gloucestershire Deaf Association provides practical and emotional support to children, young people and adults living in Gloucestershire who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The team will continue to be led by Leah Creed and her team and will be open six days a week.