I think there is still a market for camera shops - you need to try a camera before you can buy it with confidence, and I can’t be the only one who wouldn’t want to have a new camera sent in the post.

Jessops film processing and printing services have always been uncompetitively priced - even compared to other shops like Boots. But if they could make that offering attractive, they would have a way to sustain a relationship with photographers before they’re ready to buy a camera. The problem is that for most customers there’s no real brand loyalty, because they don’t buy a camera often enough to visit Jessops very often.

Perhaps Jessops could run free workshops on different aspects of photography - it would be fun for the team to do this, and would bring people into the shop more often. They could also create a customer newsletter with photography tips and links to great online portfolios and could arrange local photo competititons with the first prize being a poster enlargement.

It’s difficult to invest when you’re in a weak position, but the company needs to completely rethink its relationship with customers and the kind of shopping experience it offers. There’s no future in just sitting there waiting for someone to pick a camera online and walk into a shop to buy it.