Jessops has suffered a 5.1% drop in sales.

Struggling photographic retailer Jessops has revealed it is to make further job cuts as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The retail chain embarked on a restructuring programme last year, however has today announced that further savings need to be made at its Head Office, in store and within its supply chain.

According to the trading statement, Jessops’ like-for-like sales for the 25 weeks to 22 March 2008 were down 5.1%, with total sales down 24.6% “reflecting the closure of 81 stores last year.” It currently has a network of 233 stores across the UK.

David Adams, Jessops’ Executive Chairman, said: “Our trading performance reflects the difficult and uncertain environment we operate in and we continue to take actions to reduce the cost base of the business.”

Looking forward, the Group expects trading conditions to “remain challenging”, however said it is confident actions taken to reduce costs and stock levels will help it to meet expectations for the year ending 30 September 2008.
 
Adams added: “The Board remains confident that the Group is on the right track to build sustainable profitability.”
 
By Natasha Piscitelli