A NEW clothing store in Ipswich is today fighting back against the recession with a successful weekend of trading already under its belt.

A NEW clothing store in Ipswich is today fighting back against the recession with a successful weekend of trading already under its belt.

A total of 12 jobs have also been created thanks to the opening of the discount clothes shop Madhouse in Westgate Street, which is on the site of the former music store Zavvi.

The chain store opened to the general public on Saturday and many customers have already flocked there to pick up a bargain.

Although it has been taken on as a short term lease, this may well be extended long term should the store continue to be successful.

The opening ties in with The Evening Star's Fightback Campaign, which backs businesses that are striving in the recession.

Julia Mann, area manager of Madhouse, said: “It is a short lease which will be ongoing as long as we continue to be successful.

“The response has been fantastic so far. We had a brilliant opening weekend.

“We sell cheaper men's clothing and women's fashion and that is probably appealing in this economic climate.”

There have been some minor alterations made to the store, which have included fixing their own shelves and installing railings. The general interior remains similar.

There are 60 Madhouse shops across the UK.

Zavvi, which replaced Virgin Megastores, went into administration in December. It finally closed at the end of January.

How do you think the town can fight back during the recession? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.