Tui to ‘fill gaps’ in high street network as footfall rises

Tui is looking to “fill gaps” in its high street network as footfall rises.

The company currently has 332 shops on the high street.

Tui managing director Neil Swanson, who took up the reins in September, reiterated the firm’s commitment to trading in this way and said it was looking for areas where it currently has no shops.

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“We are seeing where we have gaps we can in-fill and add value,” he said.

But he insisted there was no strategy to significantly increase the shop portfolio.

“I think the estate is the right size so we’re just filling small gaps,” he said.

The company was “constantly reviewing” its portfolio and tended to relocate 10-15 shops a year to more profitable locations, he added.

Swanson maintained Tui’s shop network gave it an advantage against rivals Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays.

“it’s a real differentiator to have shops for people to go to,” he said. “It puts us in a strong position.”

After a dip in footfall early this year, he said the number of consumers visiting its shops was now up.

“Footfall is up, retail is doing well. I’m really pleased with the growth of footfall and sales,” he added.

He said holidaymakers continued to value speaking to its agents face to face.