Travel Firm Creates Six New Jobs

An independent travel firm is opening a new store in Oldham, creating six new jobs.

Bosses at Hays Travel North West, which is the UK’s fastest growing independent travel agency, have confirmed they have signed a lease for the new store in Spindles Town Square shopping centre. 

It will undergo a £75,000 refurbishment.

It is part of a major expansion scheme launched by the travel firm and the new Oldham branch will be its 39th store across the North West and North Wales.

Hays is on course to open its 50th branch by the end of 2020 and in the last six months.

Lindsey Barber, Retail Sales Director for Hays Travel North West, said: “It’s great news for us to open a store in the heart of Oldham’s main shopping area. It’s a thriving town with a strong community feel which suits Hays Travel perfectly.

“We will now be working hard to transform the new unit with a £75,000 modern, high-spec makeover which we have across all of our stores so our customers feel welcomed and comfortable when they come to book their holidays with us.

“We are looking forward to becoming a part of the community and its retail scene.”

The new store will be located next door to Holland & Barrett and will include a Bureau de Change.

Mike Flanagan, Spindles Town Square Centre Manager, said: “We are thrilled to welcome such a well-respected brand as Hays Travel to the shopping centre.

“We are committed to giving our shoppers the best possible choice and we feel sure they will be as pleased as we are to see an independent travel agents join the fold.

“We know they will be investing heavily in making the store look extremely modern and inviting for customers and we feel sure it will be a big hit with our loyal shoppers.

“We wish them every success for their new Oldham store and look forward to seeing it open with us soon.”

Lindsey said: “As an independent travel agency, we can offer holidays from a huge range of different providers and tour operators and work with customers to find the exact holiday which fits their budget.

“Holidays are really important for people and their families so customer service is everything to us and we will be striving to provide the highest possible service we can at the new Oldham store.”

Hays Travel North West is the main partner of the hugely successful Hays Travel, based in Sunderland, which has a turnover of more than £1bn and is the UK’s largest independent travel agency. Hays Travel North West has a turnover of more than £70m and this year, the expanding business is aiming to provide £100m of holidays.

Lindsey added: “Hays Travel, which is ATOL-protected, is a well-recognised, solid and respected brand.

“There is absolutely no pressure on our staff to sell a particular type of holiday so our customers come in and receive impartial advice without a particular emphasis on one tour operator. I think this is one of the main reasons people choose our branches to book their holidays.”

 

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