In a return to its roots, Oasis Travel has reopened its store in Royal Hillsborough, County Down, marking its eighth branch and signifying a strategic move to leverage local demand.
- The store’s location, previously closed due to anticipated redevelopment plans, has been reestablished due to unfulfilled development initiatives.
- Managing Director Sandra Corkin emphasises a year-long preparation process which included securing heritage planning permission and assembling a skilled team.
- Significant efforts have been invested in creating an inviting interior, constrained by heritage regulations on external modifications, to attract clientele.
- Early indicators reveal strong booking activity and community support, corroborating Oasis Travel’s decision to reinvest in the location.
In a significant move that underscores its commitment to harnessing local opportunities, Oasis Travel has made a strategic decision to reopen its store in Royal Hillsborough, County Down. This new branch is notably a return to a familiar location, one that was vacated 15 years ago due to a redevelopment project that ultimately did not materialise. The reopening of this venue, now the group’s eighth, is viewed as a measured response to the increased housing developments and the consequent rise in demand in this affluent area.
Managing Director Sandra Corkin disclosed that the reopening involved almost a year of meticulous planning. This included obtaining the requisite heritage planning permissions needed to ensure that the building met all regulatory requirements. She indicated that the most significant challenge was not in the renovations, but in recruiting a capable team, acknowledging that finding the right personnel was a time-consuming process.
Inside the reopened store, Oasis Travel has invested in creating a welcoming environment that complies with strict heritage conservation rules. The interior has been enhanced with large lightboxes showcasing captivating destination images, while maintaining an atmosphere that is both cosy and practical. An upgraded coffee maker caters to visitors, reflecting Oasis’s commitment to customer service despite the constraints on altering the store’s exterior.
The reopening has been met with an enthusiastic reception from the local community, many members of which have expressed nostalgia for the travel agency’s earlier incarnation at this site. Initial reports suggest that business is robust, with quality bookings and interest from local residents and businesses. This reflects not just a successful marketing strategy but also the enduring community ties that have been rekindled through this venture.
Indeed, the positive atmosphere has been further bolstered by local businesses and residents who have visited with supportive gestures, including gifting items to the staff. This heartening community engagement underscores the store’s role as a central element of local life, especially as it draws patrons who remember its original opening.
Oasis Travel’s decision to reopen in Royal Hillsborough reflects a well-considered strategy to serve a supportive community and meet rising demand.
