THOMSON UNVEILS STATE-OF-THE-ART HOLIDAY STORE AT INTU LAKESIDE

29 Sep THOMSON UNVEILS STATE-OF-THE-ART HOLIDAY STORE AT INTU LAKESIDE

Mayor of Thurrock Cathy Kent today cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art Thomson store complete with new digital facilities to provide a modern, improved and exciting holiday booking experience for customers at intu Lakeside.

The new Holiday Design Store boasts a touch screen interactive map which offers in-depth information on exotic destinations and videos of resorts and hotels, plus dedicated booking booths with 4K screens to bring holidays to life in the booking process.

It is also home to an Advice Bar with a dedicated self-service computer for customers to access reviews, excursions and visa information, or even book their own holiday – with staff on hand to answer questions, provide expert knowledge and offer a personalised holiday planning service.

New Thomson store at Lakeside Shopping Centre © Jason Mitchell Photography

Combining the two existing stores at Lakeside, the new retail space is at the forefront of the holiday firm’s modernisation plans, and the refurbishment comes weeks after parent company TUI announced it plans to phase out holiday brochures by 2020.

The launch event, which was attended by TUI UK’s recently-appointed Director of Retail Mark Bather, begins a weekend-long series of events which will offer a range of discounts and offers to would-be holidaymakers. On Friday (30^th) the door will throw open its doors for US-inspired day, with the opportunity to win a holiday for two to Las Vegas on an in-store roulette wheel.

On Saturday (1^st) the store hosts a Disney Family Fun day, with in-store entertainment, face painting and promotions on Disney holiday. And on Sunday (2^nd) customers can enjoy exotic drinks and goodies as part of ‘Introducing RIU’ day, which will familiarise Lakeside shoppers with the full range of RIU hotels in far-flung destinations.

Speaking at the opening Jenny Curran, Thomson’s Regional Sales Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer a modernised store to help our agents provide a state-of-the-art booking service.

“The new-look store underlines our commitment to retail stores and we are really excited to welcome people into the store to come and see what’s new and how our expert advisors can help them find their perfect holiday like never before.”

Mayor of Thurrock Cathy Kent added: “I’m really impressed with the store and the range of modern features the new stores has, it makes booking a holiday fun for the whole family.”