Jobs boost as new Shrewsbury travel agency opens
A new travel agency is to open in Shropshire later this month, creating up to eight jobs, it was revealed today.
The Midcounties Co-op Travel is to open its first branch in the town on Pride Hill in Shrewsbury on September 22 in a shop that has been standing empty for more than six months. It is taking over the space previously used by Past Times, which closed its doors in February.
It will be the company’s first retail outlet to be branded as cooptravel.co.uk.
Sue Reid, group general manager for travel distribution, said Midcounties already had a presence in Shrewsbury with a number of food stores and post offices.
She said the company was pleased to be investing further in Shrewsbury.
“We already have a strong membership and customer base in Shrewsbury. We saw the opportunity to bring our travel business here and we are delighted to be investing in the town so we can extend our offer to the local community,” she said.
“We are locally owned and independent. Our aim is to become the leading independent travel retailer in the UK, with co-operative values at its core.
“Opening in Shrewsbury in this the international Year of Co-operatives is an important part of our expansion strategy.
“Shrewsbury has a vibrant town centre and is proud of its variety of independent retailers. We are confident our business will be welcomed and provide more choice for local people.”
Work has started on transforming the space on Pride Hill to prepare for the opening of the site later this month.
The shop has stood empty since Past Times shut earlier this year after the company went into administration.