Kuoni is to open four more retail stores around the UK, the first launching today in Liverpool.
The move is part of the luxury operator’s push to boost its bricks and mortar retail presence.
After Liverpool, Kuoni opens in Sheffield in the Meadowhall Centre later in the week. Cambridge and Chichester will open in the first quarter of 2011.
The openings are the project of Kuoni distribution director Derek Jones who has masterminded the opening of seven stores since his arrival at the operator in March last year.
To match the brand, the new stores will have an upmarket feel and offer extended opening hours “by appointment” so that honeymooners and large groups can enjoy private consultations.
Said Jones: “I have very thorough criteria for picking our store locations and we are delighted with all the locations for the new ventures. For the past 18 months we have been opening stores to encourage change in the way consumers shop for holidays.
"At a time where the internet is king and consumers are technologically empowered, opening new luxury travel stores seems rather at odds with perceived trends.”
“We know from customer feedback and the successes of our previous store openings, Kuoni have an enviable reputation for their first class in-store customer service.”
by Dinah Hatch
