Winged Boots to open first retail store

Essex-based personal travel concierge firm Winged Boots will open its first retail store in May.

The company, which was founded in 2008 under Ocean Holidays, has been based in an office space in Romford since opening, with a growing team of homeworkers based around the country. 

Managing director David Ox said he hoped the Shenfield shop would be “one of many new stores opening soon”.

He said the location was chosen because the brand already had an established and strong client base within Shenfield, helped by its Extra Mile event programme which has allowed the team to meet clients face to face over the years. Last year, Winged Boots met 400 clients across 16 events, helping the company achieve a 70% year-on-year retention rate.

Ox said: “We have made a significant investment into the Shenfield store’s look and feel. We’re committed to executing a quality build with high-quality finishes to reflect the elevated service levels of our brand. We want all clients who visit our store to instantly feel at ease and know that they will be looked after from the moment they step through our doors until they step off the plan upon return.

“We already have a strong client base within Shenfield and are keen to further enhance our presence within the local community.”

He thanked the team at Swords Travel and other industry leaders who offered advice on opening a retail unit, adding: “Ahead of this exciting new venture, we have sought advice from other industry leaders, including our friends at Swords Travel: a successful retail agent based in leafy Wimbledon. They were happy to reveal their thoughts on what makes retail work and kindly shared some invaluable advice.

“Alongside this, we’ve collated lots of essential information from like-minded luxury brands outside of travel, as well as precious tips from local businesses, all of which we have absorbed and soaked in the Winged Boots way. We’re confident that our new-found recipe will ensure huge success on the high street and that Shenfield will be one of many new stores opening soon.”

To support its growth, Winged Boots is looking for experienced travel agents who are local to Shenfield to work in the shop. Anyone interested is encouraged to visit the Ocean Holidays website before March 7.