Today is Black Friday, a day where shops across the country reduce their prices for 24-hours. We asked people in Ipswich what they thought of the Black Friday deals.

Ipswich’s BID scheme, Ipswich Central, is countering the Black Friday online challenge with a strong town offer, and a “Social High Street” to entice shoppers.

• Read more: Word on the Street: What do you think about Black Friday?

Ipswich Central marketing director Fiona Wright said: “There is no doubt that events such as Black Friday have changed Christmas shopping and the approach to it forever as they focus heavily on supposed ‘online bargains’ which draw people away from the high street very early in the trading season and tend to be the domain of national retailer.

“To counteract this online push, Ipswich is running its very own #christmasinipswich campaign to promote everything the town has.

“It is also really important that town centre retailers offer their customers great service and a great in-store experience so customers want to return.”

Events such as Small Business Saturday on December 2 have also been added to the retail calendar to celebrate the role of local businesses up and down the UK.

Ipswich Central is hoping that new draws such as Jack Wills, Swarosvski, Tessuti (opening soon) Joules, Bromley & Co and Ohh Deer! will attract more trade over the festive season.

Read more: Suffolk retailers turn backs on Black Friday