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Thomas Cook rebuke mass closure plan
Thomas Cook chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa will spell out to staff this week that it remains “100% committed” to its retail network after speculation intensified that the operator plans to close 400 shops.
He rubbished claims that a mass closure programme was on the horizon and insisted: “Today we are as committed to our high street as we have ever been.”
He added: “Our strategy is to offer our customers a choice of booking channels and that includes high street stores, call centres, thomascook.com and our own TV channel.”
At its annual conference this week, Fontenla-Novoa will tell 2000 management staff that it intends to invest £8 million in improving its shops, including the introduction of new technology.
But observers said it was inconceivable that all shops will remain open as online sales increase.
“They may not close 400 all at once but leases will not be renewed and it will study the performance of shops closer than ever,” said one.
Report by Steve Jones
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