What's next for the Jessop's spot on Exeter's High Street?

Jessops

It's been a month now since Jessops camera shops closed around the UK leaving more than a thousand people without work and at least a dozen people without anywhere to get their film developed.


Exeter's branch was based opposite its Snappy Snaps competitor off South Street before moving to the High Street proper with a new frontage and hope for the future. A few years on and they became the first retail casualty of 2013. And I can't say I'm entirely surprised. Between Amazon, the Internet and Smartphones, it was just a matter of time, 11 January 2013 to be precise.

So what's going to open up there next? We have plenty of mobile phone shops. The narrow space is too small for a clothing store; remember Musto tried and failed. It would need to be something with a high turnover or a high retail price order to make the margins work. I'm hoping it might be something like Montezuma Chocolate, which would work well near Starbucks, a Build a Bear and a bus stop, as well a providing a stop off point between Hotel Chocolat and Thornton's. Time will tell.

My Ruby's Tuesday

There's a new burger spot in town and her name is Ruby.
  

Perched on the corner of Queen Street and Northernhay Place, Ruby's diner is a trendy update on the American style diners that we've see before. Simple design, Wagamama seating and a non traditional ordering system give it all the hallmarks of a successful 21st century eatery.   

On my Tuesday evening visit, the place was crawling with 18-34 year olds who, dressed in the latest high street casuals, are clearly the target market. They chatter away as fresh faced waiters served them in high back booths while mood music plays in the background. 

I ordered my food at the 'Self Service' counter and then waited for my food to arrive at the pass. When my name was called I went to meet the chef who'd prepared my 'falloumi' burger and onion rings. Everyone friendly and helpful.

And what of the food? Well I'm a bit of a lettuce munching vegetarian, so I had the one of their veggie burgers...specifically the falafel burger with halloumi cheese. My burger was big and tasty with avocado, salad and drip down your hand burger sauce. My red onion rings were a fresh update on traditional and clearly al la carte. This and a soft drink came to about £10 making it great value as well. 

With a location near the college and their marketing savvy, they should do well enough to put in a few more chairs!