Abercrombie & Kent, the world’s leading luxury travel company, opened its first stand-alone travel store showcasing experiences around the world using the latest digital technology.
The store, located at 82 Cheapside, in the heart of the City of London, offers a host of immersive travel experiences, including Skype-to-Store video calls with local A&K experts in 25 countries. One entire wall is devoted to electronic photo frames featuring inspiring images of destinations worldwide.
Eschewing traditional travel agency design, A&K’s flagship boutique does not feature desks and brochures. Instead, Travel Curators use iPads to give customers a taste of the unique experiences available. Vintage map chests hold bespoke canvas maps made exclusively for A&K by British map makers, Lovell Johns.
A succession of travel and retail journalists visited the store throughout the day and spoke to Geoffrey Kent, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of A&K.
Eschewing traditional travel agency design, the flagship boutique does not feature brochures. Instead, Travel Curators use iPads to give customers a taste of the unique experiences available. Vintage map chests hold bespoke canvas maps made exclusively for A&K by British map makers, Lovell Johns.
Every aspect of the open plan space reflects high-end British design, from the handcrafted vintage-inspired furniture by Timothy Oulton to contemporary seating by Tom Dixon. The London City store concept was created by Caulder Moore, with design and build carried out by Cube.
Mr Kent said: “Our store takes the concept of tailor-made travel to an entirely new level by allowing prospective clients to work directly with a skilled A&K Travel Curator to design their trip, supplemented by the latest information from our local offices in destination.”
Time-pressed city workers looking to plan a last-minute getaway will appreciate the convenience of the Sundowner bar in store serving light refreshments.
The lower level completes the pre-travel experience with a Nomad Travel Health Clinic (opening in early December), that offers a same day vaccination service. There will also be a selection of high performance travel gear for those going off the beaten track on safari, on a mountain trek or to Antarctica.
