Wimbledon-based Swords Travel is moving to a larger store with the aim of creating a “luxury setting” capable of holding evening events.
The agency, which is currently based on Merton Road in Wimbledon Town, will open a shop in Wimbledon Village from January.
Co-director Mark Swords said: “It’s really exciting to be able to work on this new project, and hopefully come up with something a little bit different.”
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The new premises will have a large shop floor area, as well as a separate team office and a room for training sessions and meetings.
The shop floor will feature large screen walls, surround sound speakers, luxury interiors and a bar area.
Swords said he and husband Stuart had been interested in new premises in the village “for a while”, adding that most of their clients live in the area.
Four members of staff work in the existing store, with the team comprising two in sales, one in a concierge role and one in marketing.
The business also has associates based elsewhere, including in Edinburgh and Jersey.
Following a “phenomenal” year in 2023, Swords Travel’s team is now undergoing training in preparation for peaks.
Swords said: “We’re looking forward to being able to do more ad hoc marketing for 2024 and being really reactive to suppliers’ campaigns.
“Our windows in the store really will be a focal point, and we’ll be spending a lot of time on these to ensure they will fit within the high street.
“Our team are all training at the moment and brushing up skills for the turn of the year so that we are prepared and ready to succeed in 2024.”
Swords said he plans to reduce the amount of products the business sells, so that the agency instead becomes an expert in particular luxury brands.
Asked whether further stores might be opened in the future, Swords said: “The area has to be right, but it’s something we’d definitely consider.”
However, he ruled out “multiple retail stores”.
Photo: Stuart and Mark Swords with the keys to their new shop