Jessops opens new flagship store at Reading’s The Oracle
Photography specialist Jessops has launched a next generation flagship store at The Oracle shopping centre in Reading.
Set over two levels with dramatic six metre high glass windows, the 2,745 squre foot store includes a new state of the art Fujifilm Frontier ‘Mini Lab’ on the ground floor and an ‘Academy Training Room’ on the mezzanine level, which will host a variety of photography courses for all levels of skill.
In addition, the store offers a consultation area as well as a wide range of cameras and accessories from leading brands.
Having worked in partnership with retail brand specialists Liberation Creative Consultants, Jessops said the new store design and in-store communications aim to immerse customers in the world of photography. The customer journey begins in the ‘The Gallery’ which is a double-height space presenting images from around the world. From here customers are able to touch, try and learn about the latest imaging technology and use the store’s state-of-the-art ‘Print Lab’.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The new flagship sets the footprint for future stores and will be the first Jessops store to offer a range of Leica products.
Neil Old, chief operating officer at Jessops, said: “The opening of our new flagship store really does shine a light on our commitment to our customers’ experience in store. With its innovative design and state of the art equipment coupled with services such as printing, camera trade-in, equipment rental and a wide range of photography courses, all delivered by our expert, friendly staff means we are able to offer everything our customers could possibly need, in a completely unique and exciting environment. We’re looking forward to welcoming the people of Reading into our beautiful new store, which brings to life our ethos of ‘image is everything’.”
Martin Bull, leasing executive at Hammerson, added: “Jessops’ selection of The Oracle for the brand’s new flagship is a testament to the centre’s position as one of the UK’s most successful regional shopping centres. We have worked very closely with Jessops to deliver their perfect store, including reconfiguring the mall to create a transparent façade that allows visitors to see the unique experience Jessops has created.”
The opening takes the number of Jessops stores to 31, including a Sainsbury’s concession that has recently opened in Newport. An additional three high street stores and two new Sainsbury’s units are set to open in the coming months.
Jessops is the latest in a series of brands to open new or larger stores at The Oracle including Jack Wills, Five Guys, Topshop, Smiggle, Kiko, Reebok Fithub and Hugo Boss.
