TUI reveals plans for store where agent Cassie Hayes was killed
TUI is to reopen the Southport store where 28-year-old travel agent Cassie Hayes was murdered last month.
It announced today that the shop on Chapel Street will be fully refurbished before it reopens on Monday, March 19.
Yesterday a court in Liverpool heard that Andrew Burke, 30, had admitted to Cassie’s murder but he has yet to enter a formal plea. She died after being stabbed in the shop where she was working on Saturday, January 13.
A TUI spokesperson said: "We can confirm that after extensive consideration and consultation with the local team we are following their wishes and will be reopening our Southport store.
"It will undergo a full refurbishment over the next few weeks so the team will be ready to welcome customers on Monday 19th March."
Helen Caron, TUI director of distribution and cruise, added: "The events at the Southport store shocked us all and we’ve continued to offer support to everyone affected.
"The decision to reopen the store following the tragic incident was made by the store team who have been very involved in the entire decision making process, with all team members returning to work.
"We would like to extend our thanks to the travel industry and Southport community for their continued support."
She said TUI has also shared the plans with Cassie’s family, who said: "Cassie has been thought of every step of the way and that means the world to us. Cassie loved her job, her regular customers and her work colleagues who became great friends. The TUI store is where she laughed and smiled and we would like Cassie’s amazing personality to remain a treasured memory within the Southport store."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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