Internet and mail order business strong
Specialist photographic retailer Jessops unveiled pre-tax profits of£6.5 million, in its interim results today.

Like-for-like sales were up 2.3 per cent for the 26 weeks to April 2 and group sales were up 10.4 per cent to£178 million.

Store like-for-likes were down 0.6 per cent, but this includes the impact of Easter falling earlier last year.

The Direct business, comprised of internet and mail order, showed strong growth with like-for-likes increasing 51.9 per cent.

Digital camera sales were up 15 per cent, with digital SLR sales up 53 per cent by value. The entry of Sony, Samsung and Panasonic into the digital SLR market this summer is also expected to increase consumer interest in the coming months.

The photographic retailer also revealed it will be partnering US online photo processing service Snapfish, to help build and develop a new Jessops photo processing web site.

Plans for a state-of-the-art digital photo processing lab in Leicester were also unveiled. The photo lab will support stores that do not have on-site mini-labs.

Jessops is also half way through the roll-out of its Digital Spacemix format, with a target of 200 stores by Christmas this year.

Following his appointment in March, Chris Langley succeeds Derek Hine as chief executive with effect from today. Langley joined Jessops in February last year as chief operating officer.

Langley said: 'Despite the tough retail environment, we have continued to leverage Jessops' leadership position in the digital photography market. The actions we have taken to capitalise on the growth area of digital printing and the digital SLR category, combined with margin and cost management, will enable us to benefit from Jessops' strong competitive position.'

The group said trading was in line with expectations at present.