# Jessops camera stores join AO World

> Jessops camera stores exit Dragons' Den to join AO World after 91 years
- Title: Jessops camera stores join AO World · Digital Camera World
- Summary: 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
- Keywords: jessops, ao world, dragons den, peter jones, camera stores, retail expansion, camera, stores, join, World, Digital Camera World
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/jessops-camera-stores-leave-dragons-den-to-start-a-new-chapter-in-its-91-year-history-at-ao-world
- Published: 2026-09-28T09:34:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jessops, ao world, dragons den, peter jones, uk, camera stores, retail expansion
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Jessops camera stores are being sold to AO World to expand its retail offerings