Store is on frontline for holiday giant

Travel shop staff braced for busiest month as Thomas Cook looks for boost

Staff at one of holiday giant Thomas Cook’s newest stores are at the forefront of the company’s battle to reach new heights.

The nine colleagues at the travel operator’s new concept Discovery Store in Serpentine Green, Hampton, are braced for their busiest month as customers’ thoughts turn from Christmas to their summer getaway.

When it opened in 2017, it was the firm’s ninth Discovery Store, combining innovative “try before you buy” virtual reality technology with personal service and expertise as the company tried new experiences to attract customers into its stores. Its stores are a key area for Thomas Cook as it tries to reverse a £163 million loss last year.

Kathryn Darbandi, retail director for Thomas Cook, said: “There is a great buzz in our stores and the customer demand is there.”

The Thomas Cook Discovery Store at the Serpentine Green shopping centre.