Independent Travel launches new retail stores
Three former HWT outlets in Newcastle, New South Wales, are the first to adopt the Independent Travel Group’s retail "italktravel" brand.
They are the first three of 100 italktravel stores ITG expects to open by the end of 2015, according to ITG chief executive, Tom Manwaring.
"Another four italktravel shops will open before the end of May and we’ll have 16 by August," he said.
"The full branding package adheres to the ITG philosophy of giving agents greater control over their business, and it comes with a bonus profit share scheme."
The brand – supported with the slogan "talk to us" – is one of the business and marketing options offered by Independent Travel Group, which is powered by Express Ticketing.
ITG has generated a membership of 225 agents across Australia since launching in 2011.
Branding includes full exterior and interior shop design, fit out, collateral and staff apparel.
Owner of the three Newcastle stores, Mark van Huisstede, said: "This is an exciting new business proposition for us which comes with an emotive brand, provides lower costs, gives us exclusive territory and allows us to use marketing that’s specific to our local catchment as well as giving us a presence in the wider online audience."
Ian Jarrett
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