ipswich: More new stores are preparing to move into the town centre – giving a much-needed boost in the run-up to Christmas.

JD Sports is currently fitting out the former Zavvi store in Westgate Street – opposite WH Smith – and is due to move from its smaller store in Tavern Street within the next few weeks.

This will follow on from the opening of the iStore – specialising in Apple products – at the entrance to the Tower Ramparts shopping centre on Saturday.

Now two further stores have announced they are coming to the Buttermarket street.

Women’s fashion retailer The White Stuff is to move into the corner unit by the Walk which was until recently the Summerhouse bar.

And Austin Reed is moving into the former Rymans and Contessa unit on the opposite side of the road.

There are also persistent reports that budget retailer Poundland is considering moving from its current store in Carr Street to the much larger former Woolworths store a few yards down the road.

The company said it had no immediate plans to expand in Ipswich – but said it was always looking for investment opportunities as a growing chain.

The moves were welcomed by Ipswich Central.

The organisation, which promotes the heart of the town – especially retail, is hoping to attract thousands of shoppers to the centre of Ipswich in the run-up to Christmas.

Paul Clement from the organisation said: “After a long period of doom and gloom things are really starting to happen in Ipswich again with new shops moving in or expanding into larger premises.

“I am talking to the borough about appointing a new agent to go out and look for new stores to move into the town in the future.

“But these developments show confidence is returning to the town and I really hope this is the start of a real revival in our fortunes.”

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