The manager of Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee said a new tenant moving in is a “vote of confidence”.
The ground-floor unit that was vacated by Swarovski as the pandemic took hold has now been let to a travel agent.
Barrhead Travel, which has operated from Dundee High Street for 15 years, will start trading from the shopping centre on Saturday.
The workforce of six staff will transfer to the new premises, with plans for more recruitment.
Barrhead, which has 85 UK branches, including Glenrothes and Dunfermline, opened in Dundee in 2007.
Plans to add jobs
Explaining the reasons for the move, company president Jacqueline Dobson said: “Dundee is an important location with one of our flagship stores.
“We were coming to the end of our lease and were looking at other units. We really liked the shopping centre, with its high footfall.
“There was a shop available, thankfully, and we decided to relocate.
“We’re looking to employ some modern apprentices and to add to our six members of staff as summer approaches.”
Ms Dobson said that after a tough two years, the company was optimistic the travel industry would make a strong recovery in 2022.
Customers refused refunds during Covid
She said people are now valuing travel agents more after losing out on refunds during Covid.
“We heard many tales of people being refused refunds on flights or accommodation,” she said.
“I think a lot of people in the pandemic have seen the value a travel agency brings.
“If you are booking with Barrhead it’s fully financial protected and people can come in any time. It’s not a website where you can’t get hold of people.
“We’re seeing a big uptake in people come back to travel agencies for the advice and knowledge they bring.”
She said the company has seen people spending more money on holidays – travelling for longer and to more exotic destinations.
Multi-generation family holidays have also risen in popularity.
“I think people are just so fed up they want something nice to look forward to,” she said.
“A holiday is good for your mental health. The world is open now and we’re seeing a big increase in bookings.”
Overgate delight at new tenant
Overgate centre manager Malcolm Angus said the new tenant is a boost.
He said: “This is a strong vote of confidence in the centre which, despite the challenges of the pandemic, continues to enjoy strong footfall and robust trade.
“There appears to be a surge in consumer appetite to travel and it feels like the holiday industry is entering 2022 with a more optimistic outlook.”
In October fashion shop DV8 went into the unit formerly occupied by Topshop and Topman, creating 20 jobs.
It is continuing to look for a new tenant to replace Debenhams in its largest unit.
