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Thomas Cook closes more stores
Thomas Cook has insisted it will continue to renew leases on profitable stores despite its decision to close 12 shops this year when their leases expire.
It said it will not automatically shut other shops when their leases run out, even in towns where it has ended up with multiple stores following the merger with Co-operative Travel.
"We are committed to our store network and there is no plan to close shops when leases come up for renewal," said a spokeswoman. "We will look at each to see if it’s profitable."
However, the retailer will close its shops in Melton Mowbray, Solihull, Carterton, Clifton, Perth, Bansted, Harrogage, Wakefiled, Wembley, Boton, Manchester and Grange-over-Sands this year.
Eight will close in late May and four in August.
The retailer said there would be no compulsory redundancies as all 41 staff affected have been offered jobs in other stores nearby.
Kathryn Darbandi, director of retail and customer experience, said: "In a competitive market, we continually review our store network to make sure that we are balancing changes in customer demand with delivering profitable returns.
"This may involve closing shops when they come to the end of their lease, as well as exploring opportunities to expand into new locations.
"We are clear that our stores continue to be an integral part of our retail strategy and a popular way for our customers to book."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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