Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent has opened its latest retail store just in time for Christmas. The new store in Linthorpe Road is almost double the size of the previous site on Corporation Road and commenced trading on 21st December. This follows an extremely acquisitive year for Hays which saw them buck the retail trend building upon their traditional stronghold in the North East as well as new store openings across Yorkshire and also on the South Coast. Lofthouse and Partners have continually acted as national property advisers to Hays Travel for over 30 years since their first store opening in Seaham County Durham. Hays turnover in excess of £800m and employ around 1300 staff nationally.