Shearings coach holidays have been a mainstay of the British travel industry for decades. They’ve been serving Brits with the perfect way to explore the UK and beyond in comfort, meeting fellow travel enthusiasts, and creating unforgettable memories. However, in recent times, it’s fair to say that the Shearings brand has struggled to keep its head above water. Despite being an iconic name within the industry, the company has faced numerous challenges that have tested its mettle.
It’s a tough time for the travel industry, with many companies struggling to make ends meet, and the impact of the pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. But for Shearings, there have been issues brewing for some time, such as the lack of investment in the business and rising overheads. The company has witnessed a steady decline in bookings, coupled with a fiercely competitive market, and increasing customer expectations. The question on everyone’s lips is, what’s going to happen to the British institution that is Shearings coach holidays? Will it survive the challenges it faces, or will it be forced to bow out of the industry, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill?
The History of Shearings Coach Holidays
Shearings coach holidays have been providing enjoyable trips for almost a century. The company was founded in 1919 by Herbert Shearing as a taxi operator in the North West of England. In the 1930s, Shearings began running excursions to Blackpool, which proved to be extremely popular.
Following the Second World War, Shearings became one of the first companies to introduce coach tours across Europe. The company rapidly expanded, acquiring other coach tour operators and establishing their own hotels to accommodate their customers. By the 1970s, Shearings was the largest coach tour operator in the UK, with a fleet of over 600 coaches.
Over the years, Shearings has built a reputation of providing quality coach holidays across the UK and Europe. In 2005, the company launched its own river cruise division, Shearings River Cruises.
Key Milestones in Shearings Coach Holidays History
- 1919: Herbert Shearing starts the company as a taxi operator in the North West of England.
- 1930s: Shearings begins running popular excursions to Blackpool.
- Post-World War II: Shearings becomes one of the first companies to offer coach tours across Europe.
- 1970s: Shearings becomes the largest coach tour operator in the UK with a fleet of over 600 coaches.
- 2005: Shearings launches its own river cruise division, Shearings River Cruises.
Recent Developments
In 2014, Shearings underwent a management buy-out, with ECI Partners acquiring a controlling stake in the company. Since then, Shearings has continued to offer a wide range of coach tours across the UK and Europe, as well as river cruises and air holidays.
Unfortunately, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shearings Coach Holidays announced in May 2020 that it had gone into administration. The company had been unable to continue trading due to the impact of the pandemic on the travel industry. However, several of its brands, including the Wallace Arnold Group and National Holidays, were bought by Specialist Leisure Group, who will now continue to operate them.
Shearings Coach Holidays: A Legacy in the Travel Industry
Despite the company’s recent struggles, Shearings Coach Holidays had built a legacy in the travel industry through its focus on quality and customer satisfaction. The company had a loyal customer base who appreciated the experiences and memories created from their coach holidays over the years. Shearings’ reputation for reliable, well-planned coach tours across some of the most beautiful spots in Europe is unlikely to be forgotten any time soon.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1919 | Herbert Shearing starts the company as a taxi operator in the North West of England |
| 1930s | Shearings begins running popular excursions to Blackpool |
| Post-World War II | Shearings becomes one of the first companies to offer coach tours across Europe |
| 1970s | Shearings becomes the largest coach tour operator in the UK with a fleet of over 600 coaches |
| 2005 | Shearings launches its own river cruise division, Shearings River Cruises |
Source: https://www.shearings.com/about-us/our-history
Reasons for the decline of Shearings
Shearings coach holidays have been on a steady decline in recent years, leading to the company’s eventual closure in May 2020. There are several reasons why the once-popular holiday provider faced such a downfall, including:
- Ageing Customer Base: Shearings primarily catered to an older demographic, with many of its loyal customers being retirees aged 60 and above. As younger generations opt for more personalized and adventurous holidays, Shearings failed to attract newer and younger customers to replenish its ageing customer base.
- Economic Downturn: The global economic downturn in 2008 created a ripple effect in the travel industry, leading to a decrease in bookings for package holidays. Shearings, being a package holiday provider, was hit hard by this recession, and the company never fully recovered from the financial loss.
- Competition: The rise of online travel agencies and budget airlines offered a cheaper and more convenient alternative to Shearings’ coach holidays. With easy access to independent travel packages, the need for a package provider like Shearings diminished over time.
Despite its iconic status and decades of experience, Shearings failed to adapt to the changing travel industry and consumer demands, leading to a decline in bookings and eventual closure. A notable example of this is Shearings’ reluctance to provide online bookings and their focus on partnerships with traditional travel agents, which ultimately resulted in missed opportunities and the company’s demise.
In conclusion, Shearings’ decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including an ageing customer base, economic downturn, rising competition and a lack of adaptability to changing consumer demand.
Impact of COVID-19 on Shearings
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the travel industry hard, and Shearings coach holidays are no exception. As travel came to a standstill in March 2020, Shearings had to suspend all tours and events, leaving customers with cancelled bookings and uncertainty about the future of the company.
- Shearings went into administration in May 2020, putting an end to 117 years of coach holiday operation.
- The pandemic led to a severe decline in demand for coach tours and group travel, resulting in reduced revenue for the company.
- Restrictions on travel and social distancing requirements made it difficult for the company to operate its coach tours safely.
As a result of the pandemic, Shearings faced a number of challenges that ultimately led to its closure. However, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry as a whole is yet to be fully understood.
Here are some statistics that highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the UK travel and tourism sector:
| Statistic | Impact |
|---|---|
| International visitor spending | Down 66% in 2020 compared to 2019 |
| Number of visitors to the UK | Down 73% in 2020 compared to 2019 |
| Domestic tourism spending | Down 63% in 2020 compared to 2019 |
| Number of UK residents taking an overseas holiday | Down 81% in 2020 compared to 2019 |
These statistics show the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on the travel industry, highlighting the challenges that both Shearings and other travel companies have faced over the past year. Only time will tell how the industry will recover in the post-pandemic era.
Competitors of Shearings coach holidays
Shearings coach holidays used to dominate the coach holiday industry in the UK, but in recent years, they have faced stiff competition from a number of other companies. Some of the main competitors of Shearings coach holidays include:
- National Holidays – This company offers a range of coach holidays to destinations across the UK and Europe. They offer a variety of packages, from city breaks to full-on touring holidays, and have gained a loyal customer base over the years.
- Leger Holidays – Leger Holidays is another popular coach holiday provider in the UK. They specialise in European tours, with trips to destinations such as Italy, Spain, and Germany. They offer a good mix of sightseeing and free time, and are popular with people who want to explore new places without the hassle of organising everything themselves.
- Door2Tour – Door2Tour is an online coach holiday provider that offers tours from a number of different coach holiday operators, including Shearings. They offer a wide range of tours, from short breaks to longer holidays, and have something for every kind of traveller.
These are just a few of the companies that compete with Shearings coach holidays. With so much competition in the market, it can be difficult for any one company to stand out. However, Shearings has managed to maintain a loyal customer base, thanks in part to their focus on customer service and their wide range of tours.
In addition to these competitors, Shearings has also faced challenges from other forms of travel, such as low-cost airlines and online booking platforms. These types of travel have made it easier than ever for people to plan their own holidays, without the need for a coach tour operator. However, Shearings has managed to adapt to these changes by offering more personalised experiences and focusing on the unique benefits of coach travel.
Conclusion
While there is no doubt that Shearings coach holidays has faced increased competition over the years, they have managed to remain a popular choice for many travellers. By focusing on customer service, offering a wide range of tours, and adapting to changes in the industry, they have continued to attract new customers and retain their existing ones.
| Competitor | Speciality | Popular destinations |
|---|---|---|
| National Holidays | UK and European tours | London, Edinburgh, Paris, Barcelona |
| Leger Holidays | European tours | Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria |
| Door2Tour | Tours from various operators | Paris, Bruges, Amsterdam, Rome |
Overall, the coach holiday industry remains a popular choice for many travellers, and Shearings coach holidays continues to be one of the leading operators in this space.
Efforts made to revive Shearings
As of November 2020, Shearings was acquired by Leger Holidays, allowing the brand to continue operating.
- Leger Holidays has vowed to keep the Shearings brand name and maintain its heritage and customer base.
- The company is looking to combine its own strength with the legacy of Shearings to offer customers a wider range of holidays.
- Leger Holidays has also announced a £5 million investment plan to improve the Shearings fleet of coaches and upgrade accommodation options.
Before the acquisition by Leger, Shearings had tried several measures to revive the struggling coach holiday company. These included:
- Refreshing the brand with a new logo and website.
- Introducing new holiday destinations and experiences, such as Christmas markets and escorted tours.
- Partnering with other companies, such as Just Go Holidays, to offer more holiday options to customers.
Conclusion
Despite its financial struggles and eventual acquisition, Shearings’ legacy and commitment to providing high-quality coach holidays lives on. With the efforts made by Leger Holidays to revive the brand, holiday-goers can continue to enjoy the unique travel experience Shearings has to offer.
| Measure | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Refreshing brand | Moderately effective |
| Introducing new holiday options | Partially effective |
| Partnering with other companies | Partially effective |
While these measures had varying degrees of success, the acquisition by Leger Holidays provides new hope for the future of Shearings.
Customer reviews of Shearings coach holidays
When it comes to choosing a holiday, customer reviews are an essential tool for most people. They offer valuable insights into what previous travelers have experienced and help establish the reputation of a travel company. In the case of Shearings coach holidays, customer reviews are no exception.
- Positive reviews: Many customers rave about the quality of service provided by Shearings. According to reviewers, the company’s coaches are modern, clean, and comfortable. The tour guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure everyone enjoys their holiday. The food served on board and at the hotels, as per customers, is also excellent, and the variety of destinations on offer is impressive.
- Negative reviews: While the majority of reviews are positive, there are some negative reviews to watch out for. Some reviewers complain about the quality of hotels used by Shearings, with some describing them as poorly located or in need of a refurbishment. Others have reported delays or cancellation of tours, as well as poor customer service experiences. Some customers have also noted that the advertised itinerary was different from the actual one they experienced.
- Overall ratings: Despite some negative reviews, Shearings generally scores well on review websites. Trustpilot has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5, while Feefo records a satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5. These scores suggest that the majority of customers have had positive experiences with Shearings.
It’s essential to read reviews thoroughly before booking a Shearings coach holiday. While most customers have a great experience, it’s important to be aware of any potential issues that may arise. On the whole, the majority of Shearings reviews suggest that the company provides excellent service, exciting destinations, and comfortable travel options for many customers.
Below is a table showing the summary of Shearings coach holiday reviews:
| Review Website | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.2 out of 5 |
| Feefo | 4.4 out of 5 |
As it appears, Shearings continues to maintain its position as a top coach travel company among customers. Despite some complaints and negative reviews, customer satisfaction is high, making Shearings a good option for those looking for a smooth and enjoyable coach holiday experience with excellent service quality.
Future prospects of the company
Despite the challenges that Shearings Coach Holidays has faced in recent years, the company remains optimistic about its future prospects. Here are some of the key factors that could play a role in determining the company’s success in the years to come:
- Investment in technology: Shearings Coach Holidays has already taken steps to modernize its booking systems, website, and social media presence. By continuing to invest in these areas, the company can stay ahead of the curve and build a loyal customer base.
- Growth in the UK tourism industry: With more and more people opting for staycations instead of pricey international vacations, the UK tourism industry is expected to continue growing. Shearings Coach Holidays is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend and offer affordable holidays to domestic travelers.
- Partnerships and collaborations: Shearings Coach Holidays has already formed partnerships with a number of high-profile organizations, including the National Trust and Royal British Legion. By teaming up with more travel and tourism companies and associations, Shearings Coach Holidays can expand its reach and offer customers even more options.
Of course, there are also some challenges that Shearings Coach Holidays will need to overcome in order to thrive in the coming years. These include:
- Fierce competition: The UK travel market is highly competitive, with many companies vying for customers’ attention and money. Shearings Coach Holidays will need to stay innovative and offer unique experiences in order to keep up.
- Challenging economic environment: With Brexit looming and economic uncertainty continuing, the UK travel industry may face headwinds in the near future. Shearings Coach Holidays will need to be nimble and adaptable in order to survive and thrive amidst these conditions.
- Changing customer preferences: As younger generations come of age, their travel preferences may differ significantly from those of previous generations. Shearings Coach Holidays will need to stay attuned to these changes and adapt its offerings accordingly in order to remain relevant.
Overall, the future of Shearings Coach Holidays is uncertain but full of potential. If the company can continue to innovate, adapt, and offer unique experiences to customers, it has every chance of remaining a key player in the UK travel industry for years to come.
FAQs: What has Happened to Shearings Coach Holidays?
1. Has Shearings Coach Holidays ceased operations entirely?
Unfortunately, Shearings Coach Holidays did go into administration in May 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its parent company, Specialist Leisure Group, has already sold some of its brands and assets, with Shearings being one of them.
2. Who has acquired Shearings Coach Holidays?
Leger Holidays, also operating in the UK, has acquired the brand and will operate Shearings Coach Holidays’ scheduled tours moving forward.
3. Will Shearings Coach Holidays still offer the same destinations and itineraries?
Yes, Leger Holidays is committed to continuing the same level of service and offerings that Shearings Coach Holidays provided, including its package deals, destinations, and itineraries.
4. What about customers who have already booked with Shearings Coach Holidays?
If you’ve already booked a trip with Shearings Coach Holidays, Leger Holidays will honor your booking and provide the same tour you booked for. You’ll also be able to reach out to their customer support for any questions or concerns.
5. Can I still book with Shearings Coach Holidays?
As Shearing Coach Holidays is now under new ownership, you can still book with them. However, you’ll now need to visit Leger Holidays’ website to view and book the tours they offer.
6. Is it safe to book a coach holiday with Shearings Coach Holidays given its recent struggles?
Now that the brand is under new ownership, you can book a coach holiday with Shearings Coach Holidays confidently. Leger Holidays is an established and trusted company, so you can trust that the same high level of service and quality will be provided.
7. Will there be any changes to the price of Shearings Coach Holidays’ tours?
Although the brand is now under new ownership, Leger Holidays has committed to maintaining the same prices as Shearings Coach Holidays offered before administration. You can still expect affordable prices for the tours you’re interested in taking.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading
We hope these FAQs have helped clarify what has happened with Shearings Coach Holidays and ease any concerns you may have had. Although the brand has gone through some recent changes, we’re happy to inform you that they are still up and running. If you’re looking to book a coach holiday with them, visit the Leger Holidays website and explore their offerings. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon!