Sunlounger Travel’s directors hope to own as many as 25 stores within the next five years, with the agency’s third branch set to open in early October.
Iain and Sally Kirkbright opened their first branch in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, in 2019, followed by a store in King’s Lynn the next year.
Now they are looking forward to welcoming clients to their Milton Keynes site, set to be staffed by seven agents.
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“We think Milton Keynes has been missing an independent agency,” said Iain Kirkbright, who plays a supporting role in Sally’s business.
However, the timing of the new store feels “surreal”, according to Kirkbright, because it has happened more quickly than had been thought possible.
“We’ll be in the premium shopping location in Milton Keynes and to be in a position to do that as our third site is great,” said Kirkbright.
“We didn’t think we’d be able to do that until many, many stores down the line.”
Kirkbright added that he and Sally have drawn up a list of further locations they would like to enter in eastern areas, with hopes of between 20-25 branches within the next five years.
The Advantage member’s Milton Keynes store will be based in centre:mk, taking up a position in the mall previously occupied by a phone shop.
The Kirkbrights had no experience in travel before starting their business shortly before the pandemic, but this year they enjoyed their first “proper” peaks period.
“The peaks we had this year were a massive eye-opener for us, but all the sales staff were saying it was normal – and the rest of the year has progressed,” said Kirkbright, who added that the success spurred on the plans for the third store.
The new shop will be managed by Kaylee Starkey, who will be supported by assistant manager Lewis Haigh.