Retailer buoyed by digital camera sales
Photographic retailer Jessops enjoyed a strong performance over Christmas as consumers snapped up the latest digital cameras.

Total sales increased by 13.3 per cent in the five weeks to January 1, with like-for-like sales up 5.7 per cent.

The retailer reported an excellent performance through its direct division, which includes mail order, telesales and the internet, with like-for-like sales up 74.3 per cent for the period.

Jessops chief executive Derek Hine said: 'This is a pleasing performance and a welcome respite from the tough retail environment faced for most of 2005. Trading was particularly buoyant in the week either side of Christmas.

'Despite this positive performance, it is still early days in our financial year and Christmas is not as significant for us as for some other retailers. With nine months' trading still to come, we are mindful of last year's market conditions, although this strong start to the year does underpin confidence in our prospects for the year as a whole.'

Jessops opened seven stores in the 13 weeks to January 1, taking store numbers to 285.