Camera store chain Jessops has re-opened in Birmingham nearly three months after going bust.
The UK photography retailer has opened its doors following a rare vote of confidence in the struggling UK High Street from Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Peter Jones.
The businessman has relaunched six stores, including the Birmingham Temple Row outlet, with a further 30 more to follow throughout April.
The relaunch sees Jones take on the role of chairman and chief executive and follows a £4 million investment in revitalising the well-known brand.
The move will create up to 500 jobs, many from the ranks of the previous workforce, with Jessops forecasting sales of over £80 million in the first year.
Peter Jones said: “Britain’s High Street is fighting back – the facts show it, and I am giving my personal commitment to its resurgence by re-opening 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 which can lead the retail resurgence on Britain’s high streets, powered by new innovations and world-leading, expert staff.
“A lot of the staff contacted me on Twitter and asked for a job and it’s great to have them.
“Image is everything, and even in the mobile and tablet era, there’s no substitute for a quality camera when it comes to taking the perfect picture.
“Jessops’ hallmark expertise and customer service will now be available again to customers across the UK.
“I’m convinced the great British public will get behind Jessops and look forward to welcoming the first new customers through our doors.”
A total of 1,400 jobs were lost in early January with the collapse of Jessops, the first major High Street casualty of 2013.
The group, founded in Leicester in 1935, had a chain of 187 stores across the UK but its collapse appeared to have sounded the death knell for one of Britain’s longest established retailers.
