Internet and store like-for-like sales were up 2.6 per cent for the period, although same-store sales were down 0.2 per cent. Profit is in line with expectations at between£16 million and 17 million.
The group increased gross margins by 1 percentage point during the period, through exclusive merchandise deals, own-brand accessories and developing and printing services.
Digital SLR camera sales were up 52 per cent by value, with an increasing proportion of sales going to existing digital camera users looking to upgrade their equipment.
Jessops chief executive Derek Hine will retire from the business in May. He will be succeeded by current chief operating officer Chris Langley, who joined the business in February last year.
Chairman Gavin Simonds said: '[Hine] successfully guided Jessops through the digital revolution and flotation on the London Stock Exchange. More recently, he and Chris Langley have overseen Jessops' recovery from some of the most difficult high street trading conditions we have ever faced. He leaves the business in good shape.'
No comments yet