Well-known retailer returns to York with store first

Jessops last operated a photography store in the city until 2020 when it closed its Coney Street branch during the pandemic.

This followed the closure of another branch that year at Monks Cross.

The return follows troubled times for the retailer, originally founded in Leicester by Frank Jessop in 1935, and has fallen into administration several times this century.

RECOMMENDED READING:

As recently as July this year, HMRC had sought to wind up the company over unpaid tax, but the taxman withdrew its claim.

Now, the camera retailer has opened its first Discovery Store in GoOutdoors York – Europe’s largest outdoor adventure centre. 

Jessops describes the new concession as ‘state of the art’, allowing customers to “immerse themselves in Jessops’ range of specialist products.” 

The range of equipment on offer includes binoculars and telescopes to landscape lenses, as well as high-end mirrorless cameras and GoPro. 

One-to-one training sessions are also offered to customers who want personalised product tutorials.

Jessops at Go Outdoors (Image: Supplied)

Inside the store, customers can also experiment with the latest photo printing services, with dedicated staff on hand to provide friendly and expert advice. 

Stephen Ridsdale, Store Manager at Jessops York, said: “My team and I are thrilled to announce the opening of the very first Jessops Discovery Store store here in GoOutdoors York. From avid photography enthusiasts to budding beginners, we are so excited to welcome you all through our doors,

“Plus, we want to encourage customers to bring their favourite photos from their cameras and phones to life by printing them in our store. We can produce everything from a 6×4 print to a stunning piece of personalised wall art for your home,

“Want to have a go on a specialist bit of equipment? Or maybe get some advice on your current photography equipment? 

“Pop in and our friendly photographic experts can answer any questions you may have.”

Prior to re-opening in Coney Street in 2017, Jessops operated in Spurriergate until the company again fell into administration in 2013.

Before Spurriergate, York’s former Jessops was located in the White Swan Hotel building in Piccadilly before the site was redeveloped.

The city also had Jessops branches in Parliament Street and Monks Cross, and despite all three surviving store cuts in 2007, they later closed.

The Discovery Store adds to around 30 other branded concesssion areas at Go Outdoors, situated in the former John Lewis at the Vangarde Centre, which opened last month.

The other concessions include Garmin, Adidas Terrex, Stanleys, World of Weber, White Stores Outdoor and Leisure Lakes.

Altogether, more than 380 brands are sold at the 125,000 sq ft venue.