'Definitely worth it' - Late night shoppers turn out in Ipswich

A picture being taken of the Christmas tree and lit-up Cornhill in Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Several shops have been open for after-work Christmas shopping on Thursdays since November 18 including Primark, M&S, and Sports Direct.

The Cornhill, Ipswich (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The Fair Trade Shop in Upper Brook Street said it saw over 20 customers buying presents from 4.30pm until 8pm.

Late night shopping in Tavern Street in Ipswich (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Delly Haseldine, shop manager, said: "It went well.

Lantern people all lit-up in Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

"It's going to be on for a while so we expect it to pick up and we look forward to that."

Tavern Street in Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Victoria Donohoe, assistant manager at the Body Shop in Tavern Street, said: "It was not as it has been in previous years.

McDonald's in the background while people are late-night shopping in Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

"It was definitely worth us staying open.

"People are coming back to the town centre."

The Cornhill with Christmas lights in Ipswich during late-night shopping. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The skincare and cosmetics company saw 47 shoppers for late-night shopping.

Late-night shopping in Ipswich with the town hall and Christmas tree lit-up (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

"Most of the customers came in for late-night shopping," she said. "They were coming after getting off work.

"A little more entertainment would be good but all the feedback was positive."

Lanterns walking down Ipswich (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Andrew Babington-Barber from the Hot Sausage Company, a mainstay of the Cornhill and Tavern Street, said it was different than previous years but there were still good numbers in the town, especially compared to last year during the pandemic.

The Christmas tree lit-up for late night shopping in Ipswich (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Mr Babington-Barber added: "It was not a bad day for us.

"Busy from 5.30pm until 7.30pm and tails on after. That's just intrinsically how it is.

The Cornhill, Ipswich (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

"Lots of children and groups. It was okay and as expected. Some said that there were not so many shops open.

"The town hall was really lit-up nice and people with little children took them to see the Lanterns.

The Botanist is set to open at this lit-up building. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

"More people will come as late-night goes on."

Shoppers walking down Tavern Street near the town centre in Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

There is free parking for late-night shopping in Crown Street Car Park after 2pm.

Tavern Street in Ipswich with the sausage man in the corner. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

B&M, The Body Shop, Deichmann, Miss Quirky Kicks, Hotel Chocolat, Superdrug, JD Sports, Wilko, TK Max, the Entertainer, River Island, Joules, Lush, New Look are now all open.

The town hall and Cornhill lit-up with a Chirstmas tree (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Clarks will be opening early from December 16, Zeebra Chic on December 16 and 23, Dial Lane Books is open all of December.