IPSWICH: Ipswich Town Football Club will close their Planet Blue store in the town's Buttermarket shopping centre next month.Bosses at the club blamed tough market factors and an increase in online shopping for the decision to shut the shop on Sunday, February 7.

IPSWICH: Ipswich Town Football Club will close their Planet Blue store in the town's Buttermarket shopping centre next month.

Bosses at the club blamed tough market factors and an increase in online shopping for the decision to shut the shop on Sunday, February 7.

The decision is part of a move to 'streamline' the retail arm of the Blues, to increase focus on the Portman Road superstore which will now open on Sundays from February 14.

Andrew Goulborn, Town's sales and marketing director, said: “We will be concentrating our efforts on the Portman Road store.

“We are also experiencing a continued growth in customers shopping online.

“That, along with the need to streamline our retail operation in a tough market, are factors that have been considered in making this decision.”

Mr Goulborn added the club was looking to enhance its online service for match tickets.