H&M to open Ipswich store

IPSWICH'S shopping community has been boosted today by news that fashion giants H&M will open a store in the town centre within the next few months.

The retail firm, which has more than 70 shops across the UK, is preparing to revamp the former Superdrug store on the corner of Tavern Street and Tower Street and open for business on April 19.

The news has been described as a boon for the town's shopping hub, which has experienced a number of high profile departures including Littlewoods and Allders in recent years.

Clare Bagley, of Ipswich Partnership which represents traders in the town centre, said: “It's fantastic news. This is such a positive thing for the town.

“We haven't had a new shop come into the town centre for a while so it's about time.

“The shop used to be a BHS so it will have all the facilities it needs to be a clothing shop and it is one of the biggest clothing chains.

“Now since a few more big name shops are coming to Ipswich it will hopefully put the town on the map and then others will follow.”

H&M is carrying out a recruitment drive in a bid to fill all positions in time for the grand opening.

It is not clear how many staff will be employed at the store although it is understood the building will be refurbished to allow for three floors of retail space.

News of the imminent arrival of H&M follows the closure of the Superdrug store, which the fashion chain will replace.

Superdrug, which employed 42 people, closed its doors for the final time on Christmas Eve.

WEBLINK

www.ipswichpartnership.com

www.h&m.com

H&M factfile

The full name of H&M is Hennes & Mauritz

The firm was established in Sweden in 1947

H&M operates in 24 countries and has more than 50,000 employees

It sells clothes and cosmetics in more than 1,300 stores worldwide

In 2005 H&M stores across the country experienced huge scrums as fashion-hungry shoppers attempted to get their hands on a new range of clothing designed by Stella McCartney