Sunderland shopping centre to be new home of local travel agency

Travel agency Dawson & Sanderson is to relocate its Sunderland store into the city’s Bridges shopping centre.

The company, which has sent more than six million customers on holiday over the past 56 years, has been based on Waterloo Place in Sunderland since 1988.

However, next month is set to see the store’s 10 staff take up a new home in a 2,377 sq ft completely refurbished unit.

Chris Harrison, managing director of Dawson and Sanderson, said: “We are very excited about relocating to the Bridges where our aim is to create a one-stop holiday superstore under one roof in a prestigious, flagship location.

“Dawson and Sanderson has been undergoing a refurbishment programme, including new stores and our new headquarters in Newcastle. All of the stores offer a fresh look while retaining the traditional approach our customers know and expect.

“Many national travel agents have lost a degree of identity with fairly generic high street stores, but our identity is proudly regional - after all we have sent millions of North East families on holiday over the past 56 years.”

The new Sunderland store will be located opposite the Superdry clothing store and will employ 10 full and part-time staff and aims to create three new positions.

Dawson & Sanderson’s aim is to provide dedicated travel experts in each of its 23 branches, offering a more tailored, personal service for customers.

The Sunderland store will include staff specialising in beach holidays, cruises, city breaks, flights and holidays, wedding and honeymoon packages and foreign exchange.

Mr Harrison added: “As one of the country’s largest independently owned travel agencies, we are not tied to particular brands or holiday providers, so can always offer independent, impartial advice at the best value.

“Our aim is always to provide holidays beyond expectation.”