The Thomas Cook Archives

Feature from 2009

Eric’s working well for us (1979)

London: Caught by the candid camera at Heathrow while on the way to the Caribbean was famous personality Eric Morecambe accompanied by his wife.

He will be seen soon telling the British public about Thomas Cook holidays and he was on the way to trying one out. On his return Mr. Morecambe was interviewed by London Weekend TV and said that the holiday had helped him recuperate from his heart attack and he looked forward to getting back to work for the Christmas show.

Seven New Travel Shops Open (1980)

Thorpe Wood: Between 3rd January and 28th July 1980, Thomas Cook Ltd opened seven new Travel Shops, one new Foreign Exchange Unit in the Midland Bank, Windsor and a new Business Travel Unit in St. Albans. During the same period Luton Branch relocated to more spacious premises in a prime site. In addition, three Business Travel Units and one Foreign Exchange Unit were relocated.

Before the end of 1980 another six Travel Shops are due to open, another two existing branches will relocate to more advantageous positions and a new Super Business Travel Unit will open at Staple Hall.

With all this considerable activity under way, it is the more vital that the public are made aware of either our arrival in a town or our desire to relocate to larger and more centrally located premises. As part of the marketing activity both to create and cement this awareness, Thomas Cook have embarked on a series of ‘promotional opening’ employing services of well known media personalities to inject the necessary excitement and interest into the event. Five most successful opening have been performed by Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis – who appears to have built up a considerable rapport with Thomas Cook – also Nerys Hughes (Liver Birds), Wendy Craig (Butterflies) and Laurie MacMenemy (Manager Southampton Football Club).

On 12th July the new implant at Landports Store, Portsmouth, was officially opened by Morecambe & Wise.

The considerable press coverage achieved by these openings, in addition to the enormous public interest manifested by the crowds which gather to witness the openings, all add to the goodwill generated and potential for new Thomas Cook customers and clients.

Above all else, the message conveyed is that travel is FUN and to be ENJOYED. To get the best combination of these elements, the best value for money and the most expert advices – where else but your local branch of Thomas Cook? Possibly as close as the nearest High St.


© morecambeandwise.com 2009