Woolworths Group plc, a UK-baesd retailer focused on the home, family and entertainment, is to start selling discount holidays, flights and hotel rooms.

Published: 28 Jan 2007

Woolworths Group plc, a UK-baesd retailer focused on the home, family and entertainment, is to start selling discount holidays, flights and hotel rooms.

The move is part of Woolworths’ expansion of its online operation.

The retailer, more usually associated with pic ‘n’ mix sweets, CDs and toys, will use its 821 high street stores and its massive marketing power to take on established firms like lastminute.com and expedia.co.uk. Travel and holiday website – www.woolworths.co.uk/travel –will offer savings of up to 60 percent off hotels, discount flights from all major carriers and special deals on family holidays from big tour operators, the company stated in a release. “

The company has teamed up with travel specialist the PPA Group to offer the deals.

Woolworths marketing director Stephen Robertson says: “The online travel market is booming and we believe we can offer customers looking to travel the best of both worlds, a trusted retail brand working with an expert in the market. Together we offer customers great deals and great customer service.

“People may not expect to find Woolies selling holidays, but our web offer is expanding at a rapid pace and offering many non-traditional Woolworths products at market beating prices. People didn’t expect Woolworths to sell new cars, but the car site has been a huge success and encouraged us to move into the travel market.”