5 empty shops which need filling in Ipswich, Suffolk

From recent shop closures to stores that have stood empty for years, here's a roundup of the retail spaces on the market in Ipswich.

1. H&M

One of the most shocking closures in recent months is the closure of the H&M store on Tavern Street. After it shut its doors on November 27 the retail space has remained empty. 

H&M closed its doors in Ipswich for the last time last November (Image: Archant)

H&M has cited rapid changes in consumer behaviours for their stores closing, with more shops set to close in the coming year. 

2. Accessorize

Monsoon and Accessorize struggled through the pandemic, closing several stores around the UK as a result. Whilst the brand is now bouncing back, with 22 more stores set to open over the coming year, this retail space in Ipswich still stands empty.

The empty Accessorize unit was joined with Monsoon (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Tavern Street is a prime location for shoppers, so it hopefully won't be too long before this unit is filled again.

3. BHS

Whilst there were plans for Sports Direct to move into the vacated premises in 2020, it never seems to have happened, and the former BHS store still stands empty today. 

The BHS store in Ipswich was rumoured to be purchased by Sports Direct (Image: Archant)

This is a huge retail space, so will need a large company to see promise in the window-fronted shop.

4. Edinburgh Woollen Mill

The Ipswich branch of this popular brand covered two floors of a period property in the centre of the pedestrianised high street. The shop was cleared in 2020 and placed on the housing market, where it remains today. 

The former Ipswich Edinburgh Woollen Mill sits empty. (Image: Archant)

According to property site Rightmove, the rent will cost you £3,333 per month, but there has been some recent interest in the property. Watch this space!

5. Creams

Finally, Creams Cafe was a popular Italian gelato and dessert shop which vacated its position in the Buttermarket at the start of the month. 

Creams Cafe only closed at the start of June (Image: Newsquest)

Opening in 2017, this was a popular spot for families on the hunt for ice cream. Now, the shop stands empty.