Picture of Jessops Photo store Leeds. Closed….
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.
Leedsdailyphoto.com 