A homeworker says she has received “great feedback” from customers after she set up shop in a ‘beach hut’ at a retail courtyard.
Wendy Haines opened her holiday hut earlier this month at Craythorne Courtyard, in the countryside near Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.
She said the courtyard is home to other small local businesses, such as a farm shop, florist, dog supplies outlet and a café, so the location fits the clientele of Wendy Haines Travel – a member of The Holiday Village.
“I am getting enquiries from people who have come for lunch or shopping,” she said.
“The feedback is great. Some people coming to see me are people whose holidays I have booked many times before but I have never met them.”
She said having premises and face-to-face contact offers an “extra element of trust”.
“I am selling lots for next year, particularly cruises, and for this year I am mainly selling UK holidays before September-October,” she added.
Haines started her homeworking business back in 2013, after 20 years as a store manager with leading travel agencies.
The hut used to be occupied by a fruit-and-vegetable seller who moved out and helped her refurbish the site.
She aims to create a relaxed, fun atmosphere, with a deckchair and props for selfies.
Haines lives nearby with her husband, who works from home, and she can walk to the hut with her cockapoo Monte.
Her agency has long supported a Derbyshire-based charity, called me&dee, which helps families and children who face life-changing and limiting circumstances.
Maria Hanson MBE, the founder of me&dee, cut the ribbon on opening day and Wendy Haines Travel will continue making donations to the charity from each booking.