Jessops has been forced to quit its Perth city centre premises. The High Street branch was vacated overnight, with stunned customers finding the shutters down on Saturday and a sign in the window informing them the shop was now closed.
Unable to find suitable alternative premises in the centre of Perth at short notice, Jessops have, at least temporarily, withdrawn from Perth, with the Dundee branch the nearest alternative.
The move came as a huge surprise, as Jessops had been trading as normal on Friday.
Staff, too, gave no indication of trouble or of the abrupt closure that was to follow just hours later, which The Courier understands relates to problems with the lease of the building.
On Saturday, empty shelves and litter were visible through the shutters, indicating a quick exit from the prominent unit.
Customers are now being directed to Dundee branch, whose manager Dave Vallis revealed the company had not pulled out through choice.
“The lease was up and while we had been trying very hard to renew, it appears that the landlord wanted the building back,” he said.
“They were unwilling to let us continue and while we have been trying to find other premises in Perth there has been nothing suitable so far.
“We’ve simply had to vacate the premises, which is hugely disappointing for all involved, not least because the Perth store was very successful.”
Mr Vallis was unable to say how staff at the Perth branch would be affected and there was no one available for comment at Jessops’ head office.
However, the Dundee manager said anyone who had any questions about orders placed in Perth should get in touch with his staff.
“Calls to the Perth branch are coming straight to us and we can deal with any queries,” he said.
“If anyone had an order placed in Perth they can come in and see us in Dundee, which is the nearest branch, or they can get in touch by telephone and we will post them out.”
The Dundee branch at 39 Reform Street can be contacted on 0845 458 7096.
One customer who has used the store for many years for both private and business photography said he was extremely disappointed by the loss.
“Everything seemed to be fine on Friday, when I put in my latest order,” he said.
“I’ve been using the Jessops branch in Perth for many years and I’m on good terms with the staff, but there was no sign of trouble.
“It’s certainly come as a big surprise to customers and I think to the staff, too.
He added, “I’m disappointed that we’ve lost such a good photographic company. It’s been excellent for business use over the years.
“I hope they will return to Perth very soon.”