ipswich: A brand new shoe store is set to brighten up the high street.

National shoe retailers Office were welcomed to the town by Ipswich Central yesterday, with town residents set to enjoy the array of designer shoes on offer for both men and women.

Located next to Debenhams in Westgate Street, Office first opened in 1981 in London and has become a leading retailer.

The store was previously occupied by mobile phone company O2 but they pulled out last year after their Tavern Street store was given an overhaul.

Office already has 74 stores across the country and a further 42 concessions in department stores. The company already has stores in Colchester, Cambridge and Norwich.

Joanne Chareyre, manageress of the new Ipswich office, said: “We are really excited about the Ipswich store.

“The reception we’ve received so far from the other retailers, customers and Ipswich Central has been great and we look forward to getting involved with the town as a whole.”

Richard Turner, Property Surveyor for Ipswich town centre, jointly funded by Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council, said of the new arrival: “We are thrilled that brands such as Office are being attracted to Ipswich. The store looks incredible and really adds to the vibrancy of Westgate Street’.”

In recent months the town centre has seen a number of retail outlets open their doors, including White Stuff, Viyella, Paperchase and Attitude in the Buttermarket.

The new shoe store is the latest in a string of shops, with the anticipated arrivals of Waitrose and Cotswold Outdoor stores

A spokesperson for Ipswich Central said: “The Ipswich store is bright, vibrant and packed to the rafters with shoes to suit even the most discerning customers.”

n Are you pleased to see the new shoe store open? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk