Delight as Poundstretcher taking on Ipswich Wilko store

Poundstretcher has announced it will be taking on the unit at 28-32 in Upper Brook Street, next door to the Sainsbury's supermarket.

The new store will welcome its first customers on Friday, January 26, with the budget retailer handing out £250 of vouchers to celebrate the opening.

It means the former Wilko store will have only been vacant for a matter of months, having closed in early October.

Poundstretcher is coming to Ipswich town centre (file photo) (Image: Newsquest)

Wilko had hundreds of stores before its high-profile collapse last year.

Terry Baxter, chair of Ipswich Central, said the news of Poundstretcher's arrival was good news for the town.

He said: "We are delighted to see that Poundstretcher are opening up shop in the old Wilko store on Upper Brook Street.

"Wilko closing left a big gap on Upper Brook Street, and it is great that it was only left vacant for a short period of time.

"News of this new shop opening shows that, despite of changing shopping habits, retailers are still choosing to commit to our town centre."

Terry Baxter, chair of Ipswich Central, has welcomed the news (Image: Ipswich Central)

Poundstretcher will take on the unit in Upper Brook Street alongside its sister brand, The Pet Hut.

The retailer also opened a new store in Felixstowe last year.

Shahid Kissay, regional director for the firm, said: "We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new Poundstretcher store in Ipswich, marking the successful transformation of our fifth former Wilko location.

"Additionally, we are pleased to welcome former Wilko employees who have enthusiastically joined our expanding team across the country. Our commitment to providing affordable products for all is reflected in our extensive range of half-price, multi-buy, and star deal offers on top-notch branded products. 

"The ongoing success of our exciting Big January Sale, happening nationwide, adds to the anticipation surrounding our Ipswich store opening."