GOL expands sales channels with new stores

GOL is expanding its sales channels by opening brick-and-mortar stores in all international cities served by the company. The outlets will function as points of sale and as an additional customer service channel, where customers can purchase tickets and obtain information on products and services, flight times, destinations, prices and so on.

"Thanks to these new stores, we are able to offer our customers more personalised service, meeting the local needs of each country or region. We understand that we serve different communities with very distinct expectations and are committed to providing the best possible service," said Tarcísio Gargioni, GOL's vice-president, marketing and services. "For the company, this is also an important new channel for generating revenue."

The first outlet has opened in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, in the Paseo Carmelitas, a shopping and entertainment complex on Avenida España, one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. In the next few months, GOL will also open stores in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Rosário (Argentina), Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), Santiago (Chile), Lima (Peru) and Montevideo (Uruguay), as well as Cochabamba and La Paz (Bolivia). In Bogotá (Colombia) and Caracas (Venezuela), destinations currently served by the Varig brand, existing stores will be reorganised and moved to more convenient locations to ensure better customer service.

Additionally, the company will expand its sales structure in each destination. In certain markets it will install outsourced sales promotion representatives (SPRs), who will work with GOL to facilitate ticket sales to final customers and travel agents, similar to the franchise model used by Gollog, GOL's cargo division. The cost of opening and maintaining the outlets is the responsibility of the SPRs, who will operate under the company's Franchise Guidelines, which include everything from brand application rules to employee training.

"The new representatives will strengthen GOL's presence abroad and are part of our drive to internationalise our brands, adding value to the company, but also providing additional benefits for our customers. Our aim is to be the first and most convenient option for anyone travelling throughout South America," added Gargioni.