Jessops on the verge of administration

[wildsam90]

Really sorry Sam.


Stay positive, When one door closes, another opens.

Thank you Chris, Ill get by just hope we don't have to move out over it

Sam - it is sad that you will likely lose your job.

I am a little curious when you say that you knew nothing of the money troubles that the company had.

Did you not see all the news items on the web when you did your research before your interview?

Sorry I meant as in issues recently to even think of something like this to happen. I was full aware of there past issues just something you would think they learn't from there past.

 

[The Greek]

Take aways won't be around for long either if greedy landlords keep putting up the rent, Monday morning a letter from my landlord saying my rent will be going up in March.

3 shops in a row next to my have been
empty for 16 months, 2 empty oppersit, one shutting just before Christmas,

And my rents going up .... Go Figure!

 

[ZoneV]

We've got at least three "gold shops" on the high street now - proper posh around here like.

 

[ernesto]

Yeah but specialist what? Denture repair studios? Nail and beauty salons? The high street is going to be nothing but pound shops and take aways.

Yes, it will be full of shops that don't have online competition and sell products that need to be seen or a service performed.
Hairdressers, dry cleaners and even shops who sell own brand goods such as clothes shops where their brand is no cheaper online.
There will be no shops for CD/DVD, books etc,. and no real loss as do you really need to see a CD cover before buying the CD?

There could also be specialist shops with staff who have real expertise that is in demand and respected and people pay a bit extra because of that. That is the market that is not being filled due to minimum wage shop employees who do not want to be there. My experience in most shops is enough to send me online.

 

[Nifkin]

Thank you Chris, Ill get by just hope we don't have to move out over it



Sorry I meant as in issues recently to even think of something like this to happen. I was full aware of there past issues just something you would think they learn't from there past.

Sorry Sam, but what could they have learned from it? Don't run a retail business during a recession? Close all high street stores and deal online only, as that's where the market's at? There's not much that bricks and mortar stores can learn to weather current conditions; they're at the mercy of consumer trends and a dodgy economy.

 

[rob-nikon]

Not that I was a user of Jessops, but the above has been one of the problems. If we keep on with the buying habit online, especially those of us that buy grey imports, plenty of other businesses will fold.

This is a good point, online buying is going to the death of high street camera stores, online have lower overheads due to no brick and mortar store. If we keep buying abroad to get a slightly cheaper deal then its going to be a vicious circle of less jobs, less tax paid which in time will have a knock on effect.

I can see specialist camera stores who main business will be conducted online with maybe a small store located at their warehouse as the future if we are lucky, the likes of multi store camera shops like jessops and Jacobs will get less and less. We now need to support British camera stores, whether online or on the high street, more than ever. Buying grey may save a couple of pounds now but its going to cost us all in the long term.

 

[LCPete]

The BBC news interviewed some people from the high street who clearly had no idea about the shop itself.

One person went to claim that it was because her smart phone can take amazing photos, that's the reason they have gone into administration.

I saw that it was annoying that they couldnt be bothered to get input from a Jessops customer/photographer

 

[brad28]

This is a good point, online buying is going to the death of high street camera stores, online have lower overheads due to no brick and mortar store. If we keep buying abroad to get a slightly cheaper deal then its going to be a vicious circle of less jobs, less tax paid which in time will have a knock on effect.

I can see specialist camera stores who main business will be conducted online with maybe a small store located at their warehouse as the future if we are lucky, the likes of multi store camera shops like jessops and Jacobs will get less and less. We now need to support British camera stores, whether online or on the high street, more than ever. Buying grey may save a couple of pounds now but its going to cost us all in the long term.

I think I would shop In jessops more if the prices were competitive and not over the top. I understand they have overheads but buyers are looking for the best deals. With stores like currys pcworld expanding thier stock range and reasonably priced I must say, I can see why jessops has gone.

Independent local camera shops are becoming more competitive and with online offerings aswell.

 

[Nifkin]

Yes, it will be full of shops that don't have online competition and sell products that need to be seen or a service performed.
Hairdressers, dry cleaners and even shops who sell own brand goods such as clothes shops where their brand is no cheaper online.
There will be no shops for CD/DVD, books etc,. and no real loss as do you really need to see a CD cover before buying the CD?

There could also be specialist shops with staff who have real expertise that is in demand and respected and people pay a bit extra because of that. That is the market that is not being filled due to minimum wage shop employees who do not want to be there. My experience in most shops is enough to send me online.

So, by this measure, why aren't these so-called specialist retailer and services filling up all empty shop units up and down the land? Perhaps there's no demand because there are already enough of those kind of services available? And no real loss that there are fewer and fewer record and book shops? Have to disagree with you there; a good book shop or music store is a lovely place, where knowledge can be tapped and recommendations made. What are the other 'specialist' shops you speak of? What are they selling? Where are they getting the knowledgable staff from, and what is going to become of all the 'minimum wage' employee who have lost their jobs?

Alas, somehow I doubt that a future with high streets filled with interesting independent shops is around the corner... :shrug:

 

[stu.artd]

Sad news in my opinion. Bought my 7D and 24-70L from my closest Jessops about 16 months ago. Could have got it a bit cheaper online but wanted to pick it up from a store. Shame that's probably not going to be much of an option in the future.

 

[Daryl]

i get kit from Calumet. not because they are the cheapest... Because the boys in MK and Birmingham know their ****. And i will always get kit from the best service not best price.

 

[rob-nikon]

I think I would shop In jessops more if the prices were competitive and not over the top. I understand they have overheads but buyers are looking for the best deals. With stores like currys pcworld expanding thier stock range and reasonably priced I must say, I can see why jessops has gone.

Independent local camera shops are becoming more competitive and with online offerings aswell.

I fully understand about jessop prices, I usually by 2nd gear from the likes of Mifsuds, LCE, Aperture, MPB as the cost is slightly lower and they stock lens that i want to buy. I tried to buy a nikon 1.4 tc from jessops but it was only available from 4 "pro" stores, no good when the closest store is over an hour away. I would rather buy used than grey imports even though there is not much in the price, at least it keeps someone in a job here.

 

[rob-nikon]

i get kit from Calumet. not because they are the cheapest... Because the boys in MK and Birmingham know their S h i t. And i will always get kit from the best service not best price.

I didn't know there was a store in MK, I've seen there vans but could you please let me know where it is?

 

[Martyn D]

I didn't know there was a store in MK, I've seen there vans but could you please let me know where it is?

Just been looking after seeing there's one in MK as not to far from me either...

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/s...etails.cfm&storeId=31&locationId=9152&ckey=CA

 

[jonbeeza]

Did Jessops used to have glass cabinets with pre owned gear in many years ago, I think you were able to trade in your old gear against new. It felt like a proper camera shop years ago, but not in recent times. Or am I thinking of some place else

If so, maybe they did not keep up with the times!

 

[Dave *]

Did Jessops used to have glass cabinets with pre owned gear in many years ago, I think you were able to trade in your old gear against new. It felt like a proper camera shop years ago, but not in recent times. Or am I thinking of some place else

No they did, I still think when they stopped trade ins and second hand gear half their problems started, a lot of enthusiasts went elsewhere. I remember making special trips to Jessops just to check their second hand window.

 

[unclened]

I ordered an EOS M from them prior to release but I cancelled it as I found that the release price elsewhere had dropped. Jessops still paid me £35 cashback via Quidco. I did try and return the money a few weeks ago but couldn't find a way to do it. I might exchange it for Jessops vouchers on here if anyone is unemployed/low income, its not a lot but that way the money will be off my hands and might help someone a little.

 

[ukaskew]

We're Jessops really that expensive across the board? I was researching Canon, Nikon and Micro 4/3 over Christmas when deciding which system to go with, Jessops were frequently there or thereabouts in the top few best prices for DSLRs and CSCs. Camerapricebuster backed this up, I even ended up buying my new camera with them last week.

They were less competitive on lenses (although not by much) but generally speaking on anything that wasn't an accessory the differences were negligible at best.

 

[jonbeeza]

No they did, I still think when they stopped trade ins and second hand gear half their problems started, a lot of enthusiasts went elsewhere. I remember making special trips to Jessops just to check their second hand window.

Thanks for confirming that for me Dave, it's just my memory always plays tricks on me. It is great going into a camera shop frequently, just to see what new pre owned gear is in.

 

[Little John]

All the quick decisions like no orders online and no returns our use of vouchers are always put in place byt the administrators as soon as they take control, comet did it, game did it and all the others. They do it so they can take stock see how much money the business has and how much they owe and to who. i would expect the vouchers to kick back in soon as the administrators realise that those with £50 of vouchers will probably come in and spend more than their £50, they will be in negotiations with suppliers trying to return stock leaving the stores full of the stuff suppliers dont want in the hope that the voucher holders will buy it.

 

[irw1]

I ordered an EOS M from them prior to release but I cancelled it as I found that the release price elsewhere had dropped. Jessops still paid me £35 cashback via Quidco. I did try and return the money a few weeks ago but couldn't find a way to do it. I might exchange it for Jessops vouchers on here if anyone is unemployed/low income, its not a lot but that way the money will be off my hands and might help someone a little.

What a nice gesture, fair play to you.

I personally feel sorry for the Jessops staff, who will, (most likely,) soon be made redundant.

I hope they find alternative employment soon.

 

[adrianday]

Just been looking after seeing there's one in MK as not to far from me either...

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/storeLocator/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/storeLocator/storeDetails.cfm&storeId=31&locationId=9152&ckey=CA

The MK Calumet is more akin to a trade counter. However, that said, expert advise is at hand and the staff are both knowledgeable and friendly. Might be worth phoning in advance if you want to talk about a specific item.

Well worth a visit.

Another incentive to visit the MK Calumet.... A 'burger' van that sells lush bacon rolls. Cooked to order. Parked up outside Red Bull racing (about 100yds down the road). Very popular with the locals. Delicious.

 

[Graham_P_Clarke]

I ordered an EOS M from them prior to release but I cancelled it as I found that the release price elsewhere had dropped. Jessops still paid me £35 cashback via Quidco. I did try and return the money a few weeks ago but couldn't find a way to do it. I might exchange it for Jessops vouchers on here if anyone is unemployed/low income, its not a lot but that way the money will be off my hands and might help someone a little.

Well done There

 

[Phil Young]

Well well well.

First I've heard of it but it really isn't surprising.

Internet shopping is dominating so many markets and the camera & electronics stores have long outstayed their welcome by people looking for the best price.

Many people would just use these stores for a point of reference before buying cheaper online.

I personally feel it's a shame because I did like to go and have a look around but oh well...

HMV I'm shocked as to how it's made it this far, I'm sure this will be shortly followed by specialist sports stores and in 30 years I reckon we'll be lucky to see many shops at all...

Ah well.

 

[ding76uk]

Alas, somehow I doubt that a future with high streets filled with interesting independent shops is around the corner... :shrug:

Not right away, no, but with time the high street will fill up one way or another and with no chains as much what will take there place? HMV killed off a lot of independents, but places such as Rough Trade or Piccadilly in Manchester are still doing well.

People will pay for an experience. When in a city with a good independent record store I will shop there. I may be able to get it cheaper online, but it is possible. I will seek the independent coffee shop as it serves better than the mass produced swill. People will pay for quality, not only of goods, but of experience, which is what the high street is sorely lacking. There are demands out there and they need filling. Rents will fall and some places will offer silly rent deals which give these people a start.

I may well be wrong, but I hope I am not.

 

[Thrash]

I feel bad for the staff but hopefully they will be able to get a job somewhere else quite easily as its quite a well known store and will have offered good retail experience
It is strange though, in a small shopping centre nearby theres a small Jessops which has been there as long as I can remember, its always empty and I remember I went in there looking for a Canon lens; they had about 3, its no wonder people dont buy in there (or that store specifically). Just before Christmas they had some great ex-display deals on CSCs but theyve all disappeared now, from new they simply dont compete on price with anywhere really, even other high street stores are cheaper (Currys, Argos, etc.) so theres no excuse.

 

[mrgas]

I think eventually (who knows how long) things will go a full circle and the high street will thrive again, we're now living in an age of convenience and its all too easy to sit at home and "click to buy" , I know this because I'm as bad as the next man. But ultimately when buying new consumer goods for me there's nothing better than going to a shop and trying/handling various makes models etc and having reached a decision buy it there and then, taking it home and enjoying it ! For me none of this exists with the online experience, unless we've done our homework and know exactly what we want we are to a point buying blind, invariably we're also out when the courier arrives with said parcel so it's a ride out to the depot to collect our purchase.

I think a similar thing may happen with supermarkets instead of parking and getting everything under one roof , we'll be on the high street again in individual shops picking the best meat, groceries etc, it takes time but in my opinion the end result are better.

Call me old fashioned but there's no substitute for getting out there and seeing the goods in the flesh in my opinion, we may pay a little more but I think the benefits are there such as a point of contact if things go wrong, specialist advice and ultimately more customer satisfaction.

 

[mrgas]

Not right away, no, but with time the high street will fill up one way or another and with no chains as much what will take there place? HMV killed off a lot of independents, but places such as Rough Trade or Piccadilly in Manchester are still doing well.

People will pay for an experience. When in a city with a good independent record store I will shop there. I may be able to get it cheaper online, but it is possible. I will seek the independent coffee shop as it serves better than the mass produced swill. People will pay for quality, not only of goods, but of experience, which is what the high street is sorely lacking. There are demands out there and they need filling. Rents will fall and some places will offer silly rent deals which give these people a start.

I may well be wrong, but I hope I am not.

I'm inclined to concur mate

 

[weybourne]

No they did, I still think when they stopped trade ins and second hand gear half their problems started, a lot of enthusiasts went elsewhere. I remember making special trips to Jessops just to check their second hand window.

I was disappointed when they stopped dealing in 2nd hand gear too - the shop lost a lot of its attraction then.

Yes, it will be full of shops that don't have online competition and sell products that need to be seen or a service performed.
Hairdressers, dry cleaners and even shops who sell own brand goods such as clothes shops where their brand is no cheaper online.
There will be no shops for CD/DVD, books etc,. and no real loss as do you really need to see a CD cover before buying the CD?

There could also be specialist shops with staff who have real expertise that is in demand and respected and people pay a bit extra because of that. That is the market that is not being filled due to minimum wage shop employees who do not want to be there. My experience in most shops is enough to send me online.

That mirrors my experience of most shops nowadays too.

The problem I see is that the town centres will become no-go ghost towns before rents drop enough to make a lot of businesses viable. Before the Olympics, Coventry received money from central government (£80k I think) to tart empty premises up so that things didn't look as bad as they were.


I wouldn't order anything online or in-store from Jessops where money was expected up front because of all the horror stories with Sigma lenses and Jessops a couple of years ago (online reports that Jessops were taking the orders and the money and then saying that Sigma couldn't provide the stock - Sigma were saying they had the stock and that they had no outstanding orders from Jessops)

I recently bought a new Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 - Jessops had a good online price on the VC version but would not match this price in-store but the sales assistant did inform me that I could order online and pick up and pay in-store. So I decided to do that rather than shop (exclusively) online or grey-import (a vain attempt to support the High Street). Too little too late - but all things considered, Jessops (the company) didn't do themselves many favours either.

 

[srichards]

I lost interest in going into Jessops when they stopped doing second hand gear too. Bought a few things online when they had good deals on.

 

[talktalk]

A nail in the coffin for yet another specialist retailer. Operating on the high street is expensive - rent, rates, bills, wages, stock etc that online retailers don't have. Nowhere to handle is a good thing for people who do this but then buy online, they get what they deserve. To the thousands of satisfied customers who do shop with Jessops and buy from them too and get great service and advice, its a sad day. Lets all wish the staff good luck in the future.

 

[Tirpitz]

i've only used Jessops a few times but i've put some reasonable money through them the last year as they had what i wanted in stock & actually beat WEX & a couple of other UK sellers on price.
sad for the people that work there as its not a good time to lose your job (mind you when is there a good time) :shake:
my most recent purchase (14-24) they beat WEX by £50!

best of luck to the people effected

 

[dangerous bryan]

Just heard about jessops, had a quick look at the prices online. They match WEX, and I can collect in store....so will it go lower as they shut stores?

 

[Dave *]

Just heard about jessops, had a quick look at the prices online. They match WEX, and I can collect in store....so will it go lower as they shut stores?

Probably not on the decent stuff, the big suppliers like Canon and Nikon will have their stock back before any clearance sale happens.

 

[Chanser]

The only item I bought from Jessops was a Lowepro point n shoot camera bag.

 

[WorldUK]

Just read TheSun, about Jessops.. sad, was nice store to pop into. Really bad for employees really.

 

[realspeed]

One huge problem all shops have now is competing with the internet. Overheads such as VAT/tax -wages- insurance (now including paying part of national insurance on all staff)-rates - share holders -heating -lighting -maintenance- security -advertising and occasionally theft not even including having to buy in some stock all add up to making a company unviable. The way things are going there will be a few more well know high street names disappearing is my bet.

Overseas competition via the internet as one of the main " shop windows" is just another cause of retail chains going under

Realspeed

 

[Nifkin]

Not right away, no, but with time the high street will fill up one way or another and with no chains as much what will take there place? HMV killed off a lot of independents, but places such as Rough Trade or Piccadilly in Manchester are still doing well.

People will pay for an experience. When in a city with a good independent record store I will shop there. I may be able to get it cheaper online, but it is possible. I will seek the independent coffee shop as it serves better than the mass produced swill. People will pay for quality, not only of goods, but of experience, which is what the high street is sorely lacking. There are demands out there and they need filling. Rents will fall and some places will offer silly rent deals which give these people a start.

I may well be wrong, but I hope I am not.

What will take their place? Why pound shops, dental repair studios, bookies and Starbucks!

Yes, big cities like Manchester or London may well still have good independent record and book shops and the like, but even there they're in terminal decline, let alone in smaller cities and towns. The high street is sorely lacking because people would rather save money and shop online, where stocks are not limited to what can be carried by an individual store.

For most people these days savings come before shelling out for a high quality shopping experience. And the reason you get couldn't-care-less, minimum wage staff is because everything in the high street is a chain now with very tight margins, which is the only way to compete with the internet. Knowledgeable staff have almost always been the preserve of independents, which, although some still exist, especially in affluent areas, just cannot compete with today's online retailers.

Yes it's diffcult to envisage what will become of our town centres, but, let's face it, they've changed forever.

 

[JulesP]

Just tried reserving a battery online and it looks like all online sales have been stopped with this printed along the top of the page :-

Please note that the Jessops website will not currently process orders however you are able to read product descriptions, customer reviews and watch videos.

And I've got a gift voucher to get rid of quick time too

 

[4ndy]

I feel really lucky atm, 2 days ago via a work discount scheme was going to put £1000 on a jessops card but delayed as I had not shopped about for the product I needed.

Today I told the wife, we need to get the card for 10% off, which is alot if you plan on spending alot. we logged into the work discount scheme and the offer at jessops had completely gone and then 10mins later it was on the news.

I feel like i came within an inch of losing a grand. Feel sorry for the staff, but i am also mighty revealed I did not get the card 2 days ago.