Just to clarify, Currys and Dixons are part of the same retail group as PC World, it was Comet that went into administration, then met its demise.James Billett said:I'm only 23 and I wasn't around 20 years when people tell me Jessops for more for the professional photographer as well as enthusiasts. Currently it is easy to tell from looking in their shops their market is now the enthusiast. Their sales assistants are of a similar breed to those found in large technology stores such as PC World, Comet and now in administration Curries and Dixons.
James Billett said:I'm only 23 and I wasn't around 20 years when people tell me Jessops for more for the professional photographer as well as enthusiasts. Currently it is easy to tell from looking in their shops their market is now the enthusiast. Their sales assistants are of a similar breed to those found in large technology stores such as PC World, Comet and now in administration Curries and Dixons.
The same process has happened to the outdoor leisure shops - their main focus is the middle section of the market - it is more profitable to sell 500x £250 cameras a year than 50x £2000 products.
I must say London Camera Exchange is very different and a much better place to buy as even their sales assistants have a genuine interest in photography.
I think also the presence of online shops drive the higher margins found in places like Jessops to pay for unit rent and staff salaries which in turn puts off professional photographers due to markup on products. It's a shame but something that is only going to continue into the future.
I'm now told that jessops are looking into home printing solutions - canvas etc a way to keep turning profit.
itsnotmeyouknow said:Not only do online stores not have to pay store rent, many of them like Amazon fiddle their books so they don't pay UK tax.
glongstaff said:Firstly let me make this remark...'its a shame that so many people may be losing their jobs'....
James Billett said:Their sales assistants are of a similar breed to those found in large technology stores such as PC World, Comet and now in administration Curries and Dixons.
Mt Spokane Photography said:Prior to the advent of online buying, a buyer had the option of buying locally, or calling a mail order outfit, usually one who advertised on photography magazines, and many of them were awful. I did discover B&H that way back in the 1980's and have bought from since. I also discovered a couple that only got one order!
Although we are a relatively small town, our local Camera store branched out into high end Audio Video and into online sales, and even opened a second store after 100 years in business. Even so, their stores do not generally keep the high end 1 series bodies or the D4 in stock, so I have to order from the warehouse if I want to see it. (I can pick it up, its only a short distance from the store) They do have a reasonable assortment of tripods, heads, and other accessories, but nothing close to what can be ordered online.
This is a typical example of adapt or die, stores that did not take internet retailing seriously and do what it took to stay in business are paying the price.