Picture of Jessops Photo store Leeds.
Today across the country the long established photo retailer Jessops closed its doors and ceased trading.
A company founded back in 1935 by Frank Jessops the company expanded in the 1980's to 50 stores. In 1996 the founders son Alan sold up to a management buyout, it was later sold to a private equity group.
Latterly the company floated on the stock exchange and eventually there were more than 250 stores. More recently the stores numbers fell to the point that as of today all 187 Jessops stores were closed this afternoon by the administrators. With the store closure all 1,370 Jessops store employees have today been made redundant.
I personally think this that this is a very sad day for these employees who have today lost their jobs. But more than that it is also a sad day for photography here in the UK.
Jessops was I know a hands on store, the staff being at least the ones I met keen photographers. A camera was not a electrical item in a box, not to be opened until it was delivered to your door. Perhaps Amazon may have been cheaper, but try getting some personal hands on advice on their website.
This closure marks the end of any specialised photographic chain of any size here in the UK. Prior to this another chain Jacobs photo went to the wall last summer. I know that some people that were employed by Jacobs until 7 months ago were no doubt relieved to find work at Jessops. These employees and lets not forget photographers will have had a cruel blow today.
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It is always said when such a long-established company offering good service has to close down. For the employees and their families, it was certainly not a "Happy" new year :-(
ReplyDeleteNot good news I got my D800 from our local branch last April, not to mention numerous lenses etc down the years too. I always found the staff nothing less than attentive and very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad news! I held out hope Jessops would survive the digital, online retail onslaught. Some photos from our early years of living between London and the U.S. were possible thanks to Jessops. Sad day for photography indeed, and for the employees who must find something else.
ReplyDeleteI took a photo of the Stockport branch this morning http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3295571 Behind the half-closed shutters staff were busy packing away the contents. A notice said "The Jessops Stockport Team would like to thank you on a personal level for all of your support and custom over the years".
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