Obviously, there are preconceptions here as to what a travel agent is - and there is now clearly a difference in what that role entails. Traditionally it was an outlet to sell prepackaged holidays, or what you would describe as a traditional ‘package holiday’. Its fair to say that a lot of that market has moved online - but there are areas where travel agents add value.
There is also a difference between a retail shop owned by a multiple such as TUI or Thomas Cook (or Kuoni or Virgin), where there is a desire to sell their own product. However, until only recently Thomas Cook has sold other tour operators as well. Neither are really travel agents any more, but representatives to booking their own packages.
The real travel agents are the independents - either with a high street presence, or homeworkers. Its fair to say that the market for them is heading towards higher end, more complex travel arrangements which can be difficult for ‘normal’ people to book, or value the advise of a travel professional. Jet2 have been very supportive of Indy agents, and have already committed even further resources to growing that market - something Thomas Cook has started moving away from.
Regarding the two shops - yes, I think Thomas Cook and TUI have said where there is a duplication they wouldn’t be renewing leases - but this is a hangover from the First Choice/Thomson and Thomas Cook/Airtours mergers which duplicated shores in towns.