Popular UK Camera Stores Wex and Calumet to Merge
From tomorrow, popular UK camera stores Wex and Calumet are set to merge with the aim to “create a leading omni-channel offering servicing the enthusiast and professional photographer market across the UK and Europe.” This means that the Calumet website will be closed and all existing and future business will be conducted through Wex.
AURELIUS Equity Opportunities acquired Wex from Barclays in May for an undisclosed sum. Already in ownership of Calumet Photographic, the planned merger is set to go ahead from Tuesday onwards. Wex and Calumet have an impressive combined revenue of EUR 175 million, making the merger a significant step in the photography gear industry for consumers and rival companies alike.
CEO of Wex David Garratt stated, “The Wex team is very excited to be working alongside both AURELIUS and the Calumet team to develop and expand our existing strategy for the business. The combined business will be able to offer customers a genuine multi-channel experience and, by leveraging Calumet’s in-store expertise, significantly expand our leading online offering to a wider customer base in the UK.”
Wex is at present the UK’s largest online photography retailer, with over 17,000 products available and a 4,300sq. ft. showroom in Norwich. With the Calumet merger and Wex’s recent acquisition of repair and rental specialists Fixation, Wex and AURELIUS are likely to strengthen their position as the number one UK retailer, with the aim to expand their “Pan-European offering”.
If you’re a loyal customer to Calumet then fear not – they and Wex are taking every step to smooth the transition. Although the site will close, all existing orders will be fulfilled as normal, and anyone with items on back-order will be contacted when stock has arrived and been allocated to your account. All Calumet accounts will be automatically transferred and any products bought previously will still be under warranty and allowed for return.
Still not satisfied? Then head over to Wex’s Calumet FAQs page for more information, or contact the Wex customer service team for any and all queries.
