Braunton Travel is set to launch a new store in Barnstaple, marking a significant expansion.
Following an unprecedented month of sales, the company aims to capitalise on its recent success.
Braunton Travel is venturing into a new chapter with the opening of its third store in North Devon. Following a record-breaking sales month, owner Sue Hunter is geared up to expand into Barnstaple by early summer. This venture comes a decade after the launch of the first shop and six years after Bideford Travel began operations.
The chosen location for Barnstaple Travel, although not directly on the high street, promises high foot traffic. Hunter describes Gammon Walk as a vibrant pathway leading to the high street, ensuring good visibility for the store. Alternative locations in Barnstaple were considered but eventually set aside due to unsuitable business positioning.
The travel sector in Barnstaple presents a distinct advantage for Braunton Travel. With only one other independent agency and a Tui branch, Hunter sees ample opportunity for growth. She notes that the closure of the Destination Lounge store during the pandemic paved the way for her expansion into this promising market.
Hunter aims to diversify the offerings at the new store, catering to the increasing demand for high-value and ‘bucket list’ adventures. With a clientele eager to seize the moment, the new establishment is poised to tap into more aspirational travel markets.
February has been a remarkable month for Braunton Travel, with sales soaring to new heights. The Braunton branch alone achieved its highest month in history, largely influenced by a significant £40,000 Antarctica cruise booking via Viking. This surge in sales underlines the robust demand for premium travel experiences.
Sue Hunter reflects on how these strong sales figures have paved the way for further expansion, inspiring confidence in the potential of the new Barnstaple store.
With ambitions to make the Barnstaple store busier than its predecessor, Hunter plans to employ four staff members. She is committed to maintaining the high-quality service Braunton Travel is known for, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty in the process.
The existing Braunton and Bideford branches currently operate with minimal staff, indicating a strategic scale-up to accommodate increased clientele needs.
In early March, Braunton Travel was honoured at the Hays Travel IG conference for the most significant margin increase among group members. This accolade underscores the agency’s operational success and strategic prowess.
Such recognition serves as a catalyst for future growth, emboldening Braunton Travel’s expansion ambitions with renewed vigour.
The opening of Barnstaple Travel is expected to reinforce Braunton Travel’s position as a leading independent travel agent in North Devon. The expansion aligns with the company’s goal to provide exceptional travel solutions tailored to diverse customer needs.
Sue Hunter’s strategic expansion of Braunton Travel continues to redefine the travel market in North Devon.
By focusing on quality service and seizing new opportunities, the agency is well-positioned for sustained success.
