From Digital Camera World · · 1m
Jessops camera stores join AO World
Jessops camera stores exit Dragons' Den to join AO World after 91 years
In brief
Jessops camera stores exit Dragons' Den to join AO World after 91 years Jessops camera stores are being sold to AO World to expand its retail offerings Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
Jessops sold to AO World
Jessops camera stores were sold by Dragons' Den star Peter Jones to white goods retailer AO World for an undisclosed sum.
“Jessops brings a trusted brand and specialist expertise in cameras and optical technology”
Financial struggles
Jessops entered administration twice after Peter Jones bought it in 2013, with a £1m pre-tax loss in 2025 on £19.8m turnover.
AO World's strategy
AO World says Jessops helps them expand into adjacent categories and strengthen their circular economy through re-commerce.
“Jessops brings a trusted brand and specialist expertise in cameras and optical technology, while its re-commerce business, Camera Jungle, is highly complementary to our existing musicMagpie operations and further strengthens our circular economy credentials”
Jessops history
Jessops was founded by Frank Jessop in 1935 in Leicester and grew into a high street brand with over 300 stores by the 1990s.
Store locations
AO World plans to keep seven Jessops stores open in London, Shrewsbury, Leeds, Sheffield, York, and Glasgow.
The main idea
Jessops camera stores are being sold to AO World to expand its retail offerings
