Jessops has resurgence as Dragon's Den Peter Jones opens six new stores

Dragons' Den star Peter Jones vowed to revitalise the UK high street as he re-opens six Jessops camera stores creating hundreds of new jobs.

Jones, who bought Jessops out of administration in January taking on the role of chief executive and chairman, said the return of the iconic brand would lead to a “retail resurgence”.

Jessops, which collapsed after struggling against the rising use of camera phones and online competition, will open a further 30 stores in April at the rate of one a day taking on 500 new workers.

It is spending £4million on the new stores including flagship outlets in London’s Oxford Street and Birmingham, boasting new features such as play tables where customers can handle SDHpcameras. There will be a click and collect option for online orders.

Jones boasts it will offer Europe’s biggest range of camera equipment and offer photography courses for amateurs. He aims to rack up £80million sales in its first 12 months.

“Britain’s high street is fighting back and I am giving my personal commitment to its resurgence by re-opening the doors of one of the country’s most historic retailers,” Jones said.