Jessops issues profit warning

Camera specialist Jessops has issued a profit warning, revealing like-for-like sales down 6.9 per cent for the six weeks to January 5. The retailer said supply difficulties were partly to blame, because it was unable to satisfy customer demand.

Total sales slid 3 per cent and the company said it now expects full-year results to be broadly in line with last year.

The retailer said: 'While demand for digital SLR cameras remained strong over Christmas, disappointingly, we were unable to satisfy all of this demand due to major worldwide supply shortages on the most popular SLR models from the two leading camera manufacturers.'

Sales were down 1.9 per cent and like-for-likes also decreased 1.9 per cent in the 14 weeks to January 5.

The company added that it is 'working closely with both manufacturers to resolve these supply issues', but also warned that the market for digital compact cameras remains soft.

Jessops has 315 stores across the UK and also trades online.