Hays Travel To Buy Thomas Cook Stores!

Hello Fellow Cruise Lovers!

What fantastic news!  After the terrible announcement  that Thomas Cook had ceased trading last month, with the loss of thousands of jobs. Not to mention the disruption, disappointment and shock of its passengers, both abroad and due to travel.  Hays Travel are to buy up all 555 Thomas Cook shops!  My brother had paid out over £5K for a holiday to Mexico, only to receive the news that it was not going ahead. He has since booked with TUI and, like thousands of other affected passengers, is now waiting for his refund.

So this announcement by Hays Travel  is great news for up to 2500 staff who lost their jobs when the company collapsed in September, sparking the biggest peacetime repatriation to bring home holidaymakers!  Thankfully all those abroad at the time of the collapse are now home, safe and sound.

Up to 100 new jobs will be based at Hays’ HQ in Sunderland, and this purchase is expected to triple their retail network.

However, I’m a little concerned about the financial repercussions now that Hays have committed to keeping open 555 high street shops, with the cost of rent/rates etc. Especially as there is a growing number of holidaymakers who prefer to book online, rather than visit a high street agency.  With the onset of social media, everything seems to be gravitating to online purchases.  Perhaps this could be one of the reasons why Thomas Cook collapsed?

We at cruise.co.uk are an online Cruise Specialist and the majority of our staff, including myself, work from home.  Thus removing the expensive  commercial rents/rates  companies have to pay to be on the High Street.  We have thousands of regular clients who prefer to book online.  Its convenient, and comfortable, sitting at  home browsing through the endless choice of holidays. I do it myself!  They know they are offered great deals, very competitive prices, high quality products, and of course the expertise, knowledge and high level of customer service we provide.

So whilst Hays may have made a very shrewd move in gaining the goodwill of the ex Thomas Cook staff and their loyal customers, only time will tell if in the long run, this proves to be commercially and financially sound.

I do hope so, and wish Hays Travel & all the ex Thomas Cook staff every success for the future.

That’s all for now

Gina.