Jessops to open 55th shop as Dragons' Den star Peter Jones develops business

Photographic retailer Jessops is to open the shutters on a new Edinburgh store next month, saying the launch will happen just in time for Christmas.

Dragons Den star Peter Jones and a group of investors bought the Jessops name from administrators in 2013.

The revived business said the opening will mark its 55th store “in what has been an exciting journey during the last three years”.

The brand was relaunched in 2013 after serial entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones and a group of investors bought the Jessops name and other assets from administrators in January of that year, promising to create up to 500 jobs in the process.

The original business, founded in 1935 in Leicester, had closed all of its 187 UK stores including 12 in Scotland, leading to the loss of almost 1,500 jobs as it battled growing online competition.

The latest branch will add to outlets north of the border in Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow and a concession at the Sainsbury’s in Gorgie, Edinburgh.

At the time of the brand’s relaunch, Jones said: “Britain’s high street is fighting back – the facts show it, and I am giving my personal commitment to its resurgence by reopening the doors of one of Britain’s most historic retailers.

“I’m taking the helm as chairman and chief executive because I believe Jessops is an iconic British brand, that can lead the retail resurgence, powered by innovations and world-leading, expert staff.”