Morrisons has bought seven Jessops outlets for an undisclosed sum, which will be converted into convenience stores under its M Local format.

According to The Telegraph, the supermarket business, which saw like-for-like sales drop 2.5% during the Christmas period, has purchased the sites from the failing high street camera retailer which will be branded under its M Local convenience store name.

Four of the stores are located in London, with two more based elsewhere in England and the seventh located in Scotland. 

Morrisons’ chief executive Dalton Philips said last October that the company would focus on growing its M Local business, particularly in London and the south-east region, with plans to open 70 stores by the end of 2013.

The national newspaper also said Morrisons is in talks to buy former HMV and Blockbuster sites, both of which went into administration this year.