Among those to close recently is the Jessops branch in Bournemouth, Dorset which shut down last month on grounds that it did not meet the chain’s ‘profitability criteria’.

In a statement released to Amateur Photographer (AP), Jessops confirmed that other stores to have closed this year are the outlets at: Cannock; Croydon; Hammersmith; Ilford; York (Monks Cross); and Lisburn and Ballymena in Northern Ireland.

A Jessops spokesperson told AP. ‘Some of these [closed] stores were in towns such as Bournemouth and Croydon where Jessops had more than one store – Jessops has closed one but invested in the other.’

‘Also, unlike any other retailer, Jessops constantly reviews the profitability of its stores with leases that are due for renewal, to establish their ongoing viability.

‘The lease for these stores has expired and it is unfortunate that the stores no longer meet the profitability criteria.

‘Regrettably, the decision has been taken to close these stores.’

The company declined to reveal how many staff have been affected by the closures.

‘Jessops works closely with affected employees and will redeploy them in other parts of the business where possible.’

In an interview with ePHOTOzine last month, Jessops CEO Trevor Moore said the Jessops in Wakefield, West Yorkshire is also among the casualties.

However, the chain is continuing its store refurbishment programme.

Bosses stress that Jessops has ‘refurbished and opened new stores’ at: Guernsey, Jersey, Aberdeen, Cribbs Causeway, Hounslow, New Oxford Street (London), Shrewsbury, Peterborough, Truro and Taunton.

The retailer adds that 26 ‘store developments’ are planned this year, bringing the number of its ‘black format’ outlets to more than 70 since the start of the refurbishment project three years ago.

‘These three years of consistent investment demonstrate that the high street continues to be an important part of Jessops’ multi-channel offer.

‘Even for online sales, our customers prefer to collect at store as they enjoy our free camera set-up, our in-store services and our offer of advice for life.’