Fred Olsen Travel has officially opened its Worthing store, marking an exciting stage in its expansion plans.
- The new store, located in The Royal Arcade, is Fred Olsen Travel’s 19th branch.
- Paul Hardwick, director of retail, anticipates rapid growth for the Worthing branch, projecting a £1m turnover in its first year.
- The Worthing branch is a ‘concept store’, featuring promotional materials from Classic Collection, Titan Travel, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
- Fred Olsen Travel aims to open more branches in upcoming months, maintaining its focus on Hampshire, East Anglia and Suffolk.
Fred Olsen Travel has celebrated the opening of its new Worthing store, which began trading in late November. This store, situated within The Royal Arcade, represents the company’s 19th branch, highlighting a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion strategy. Paul Hardwick, the retail director, forecasts substantial growth, with expectations for the store to generate a minimum of £1 million in turnover during its inaugural year.
The Worthing location is designated as a ‘concept store’, similar to Fred Olsen Travel’s existing branch in Eastbourne. This innovative store format features prominent branding and promotional showcases from travel operators such as Classic Collection, Titan Travel, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, complete with dedicated displays and scheduled special events to attract and engage customers.
The inception of the Worthing branch originated from the suggestion of Andy Freeth, CEO of Classic Collection Holidays, who identified it as an ideal location for Fred Olsen Travel’s next venture. As one of the company’s smaller branches, it will operate with a team led by manager Kelly Virgo, and recruitment efforts are underway to fill the third team member position.
To boost the new store’s profile and reach, a targeted mail drop within the Worthing area is being organised, alongside a comprehensive email campaign aimed at generating customer interest and driving foot traffic to the location.
Looking towards the future, Fred Olsen Travel remains committed to expanding its geographic footprint, with further branch openings planned in the coming months. The focus will remain on its current operational regions, Hampshire, East Anglia, and Suffolk, although opportunities for acquisitions outside these areas will be considered if beneficial.
Paul Hardwick envisions the continued growth of Fred Olsen Travel, reaffirming the goal of reaching 25 branches by the end of 2025. While efforts to maintain profitability across all new locations persist, the company is open to exploring potential acquisition opportunities to enhance its market presence.
Fred Olsen Travel is poised for significant expansion, with strategic store openings and a focus on regional growth.
