Shop local in Ipswich this Christmas

Annette Keeble (L to R) Sonja Talbot and Sarah Taylor of Coes with part of the christmas window display they have installed in the shop. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)

The Christmas window displays at Coes are always something special - and they mark one of the busiest times of the shopping year.

The Ipswich department store, in Norwich Road, has extended opening hours all the way through to Christmas Eve, including late night shopping Thursdays.

Managing director William Coe said: “I love Christmas.

“I still enjoy Christmas shopping myself, even though we are very busy and we seem to be here, every hour God sends, compared with other times of the year.”

The department store has one of the largest ranges of men’s clothing in East Anglia, and also wedding hire, school uniform and sports ranges.

That produces strong business all year round, not just now.

William added: “We are not as reliant as some retailers on Christmas, but it is still a very busy time for us. It is the icing on the Christmas cake, if you like.

“We sell on the internet but it is still has a long way to go for us.

“I personally think there is still something very nice about going round the shops, with nice displays and atmosphere, in beautiful surroundings, and going home with your gifts wrapped, rather than looking at a screen.

“There can be a lovely atmosphere Christmas shopping, there is a real buzz about the place.

For most local retailers it was important to have a good Christmas, and they needed to be supported.

“If people want to see the town develop and grow then they need to support the existing shops and stores,” he said.

“If people want the town centre to improve, then they have to support it.

“It is important for everybody’s benefit for the town to have a good Christmas.

“If the retailers do well here - and the town is doing well, it will bring more business and retailers in.

“It is one of those chicken and egg situations.”