Tour operator to open in Edinburgh’s John Lewis store
John Lewis and Audley Travel have announced a new partnership, with the award-winning tour operator opening in 12 John Lewis stores across the UK, including Edinburgh, this autumn.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for Audley Travel, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The move into its own physical retail space allows Audley to bring its expertise directly to the high street for the first time, in spaces carefully designed to inspire clients’ future travel.
For John Lewis, the partnership is part of a focus on supercharging its in-store experience, introducing an expanded line-up of specialist concessions nationwide as it redefines physical retail.
Audley creates bespoke journeys to more than 90 destinations across the globe, with every trip designed around the individual traveller. Its trips are put together by specialists with extensive first-hand destination knowledge, supported by a global network of trusted local partners.
Clients visiting Audley Travel at John Lewis will be able to meet with a local personal travel expert, who will work alongside Audley's specialists to help create their journey.
Richard Hodgson, chief executive at Audley Travel said: “We’re delighted to be opening one of our first retail concessions in Edinburgh and engage new clients through immersive in-store experiences, allowing us to really bring our unique offering to life.
“Our in-store staff will work closely with our destination specialists, each of whom arranges trips to only a small number of destinations – not a whole region – having having lived or travelled extensively there. This knowledge and insight allows us to create authentic journeys, firmly rooted in the culture of a destination.”
Katie Papakonstantinou, director of services and hospitality at John Lewis, added: “Our stores are the beating heart of the John Lewis brand, and physical retail is undergoing an exciting revolution.
“Today’s shoppers want far more than products on shelves, they want inspiration, helpful expertise, and extraordinary experiences. Introducing Audley’s exceptional tailor-made travel service to our stores is a perfect fit for our customers, creating an environment where they can not only shop for their homes but also discover and plan their next extraordinary journey.”
Audley Travel at John Lewis concessions will also be available in the retailer’s Cardiff, Cribbs Causeway, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Norwich, Reading, Poole, Oxford Street, Peter Jones (Sloane Square), High Wycombe and Southampton stores.
Pictured: Richard Hodgson, managing director, Audley Travel
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