Opening Of Jessops' New Centre of Excellence

Words and images by John Riley.

Jessops Centre of Excellence in Manchester.

The new Jessops Centre of Excellence in Manchester lies at a very busy corner of Market Street and presents an attractive, clean, modern façade that encourages customers to enter the store.

The Centre's multi level design.

This clean look is further enhanced by the pine wood flooring, the very well thought out lighting systems and a young team of photographically aware sales staff. Store manager Jonathan Tighe explains: "I have taken most of my staff from the new graduates in Photography, plus others who share the same passion. Most of the photographs displayed around the store were shot by staff members. They even meet as a photographic group outside working hours, so there is a very real interest in photography. We try to appeal to both existing and new customers and can offer sound advice to those who need it."

Store manager Jonathan Tighe.	Kate, laboratory manager.

The ground floor is the main display area for cameras and other accessories such as bags. Each marque is well represented and the cameras are all accessible to enable handling by customers.

Display areas on the ground floor.

The upstairs area is to be used for the Jessops academy plus other educational demonstrations. It also houses the studio which you can currently shoot in for free. They also provide you with a CD of images, although, obviously, any prints made will be charged.

Jessops educational area, studio and photo lab.

The in-store photo laboratory.

The in-store laboratory is also on the upper floor and employs the latest technology. This aspect of the operation is managed by Kate, a very experienced laboratory technician.

A team member in action.

It seems that Jessops are reaching out to all types of photographer with their new store. It has been well thought out and is an attractive environment that should be highly successful. Clearly a good deal of effort has gone into ensuring that there is the necessary level of expertise to match the slick style of the presentation.

Jessops Centre of Excellence Team.