Flight Centre Senior Manager Ashley Hamer-Jackson (L) & Area Leader Nova Tregaskis celebrate the grand opening of the West End Hyper-Store
Clients and guests complete interactive quizzes to win door prizes
International Travel Consultant Lee Coulombe showcases South Pacific products to guests
(L-R) Flight Centre's Troy Vigushin; Chris Alders; Alesha Campbell & Aerin Chauncey with Shane Buksh, RCCL
A DJ provided music for the evening.
Flight Centre held the grand opening for its newest Hyper-Store in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood last week. The store welcomed clients and walk-in visitors, with a DJ, hors d'oeuvres, beverages and suppliers on hand to mix and mingle with guests. Flight Centre staff, dressed in international costumes, shared information about destinations and tours; guests participated in interactive quizzes for door prizes and a speedy ribbon cutting took place on the chilly Vancouver night.
The Hyper-Store concept replaces the traditional travel agency set up of rows of desks with agents sitting behind them. Instead, it offers a more relaxed and casual atmosphere for agents and clients alike. Here, clients can sit next to their Flight Centre agent to discuss trip options, in front of a large flexible-mount monitor to view itineraries and web pages. Each agent also has a personal tablet, allowing the ability to work remotely or to meet clients offsite.
Mark Nessle of Intrepid Travel Group was one of the suppliers present at the grand opening along with Shane Buksh, representing Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Both shared promotional materials and great enthusiasm with Flight Centre’s guests. Both brands appear to be a good fit for Flight Centre's client demographic looking for customized vacations and cruises.
I spoke with Flight Centre Area Leader Nova Tregaskis who has overseen the opening of several Hyper-Stores across the Metro Vancouver area. She tells me this store has had the most successful opening month of all the new locations, with many new 1st time clients who were attracted by its layout and fun environment. The West End is a dynamic neighbourhood with a good mix of businesses and residents, and the store's location is ideal to capture walk-in business. The strong sales team have experience in both the service and hospitality industries and are all well-travelled and passionate about promoting travel.
Flight Centre has over 130 agencies across Canada, with additional Hyper-Stores being planned for the Vancouver area in the upcoming year.
Mark Nessle, Intrepid Group is ready to talk about tours
(L-R) Flight Centre staff Sarah Rosenkranz(in costume);
Brett Zelter & Nova Tregaskis look on as Ashley Hamer-Jackson
prepares to cut the ribbon
