'Our multicultural megastore can save town centre'

The owner of a new multicultural megastore has said he believes it could help save a town centre.

Ipswich Bazaar, which has taken over the former Woolworths and Poundland site, has just welcomed its first customers.

The Carr Street store, which includes a bakery, restaurant, and a butchers, stocks produce from all over the world, including items not available in other supermarkets.

“We are doing something extraordinary and nobody has seen a shop like this – it has everything,” said Ariful Islam, the owner.

In recent years big-name retailers including BHS, Debenhams and Wilko have all shut up shop in Ipswich.

But in March 2024 it was revealed the former Buttermarket BHS store would become home to a new Sports Direct.

The Great White Horse Hotel, which has stood empty for a number of years, is also being prepared for a major renovation.

Mr Islam believes Ipswich Bazaar, which has created more than 50 jobs, can now help turn the fortunes of the town centre around.

He added: “On Saturdays there are no people in the town but in one month there will be a big change in the town – it will be packed. [It will save the town], 110%.

“It has been a rollercoaster with ups and downs, and day and night I have been running here and there to get it sorted, but there is a relief we are now open.

“This is the best store in Suffolk, no doubt about it.”

Nigel Watson, 53, was one of the first customers.

He said: “I am really impressed - there is a really great selection of goods about and there are different products to what you see in your normal supermarket.

“It is good it is opening in the town centre because it is will bring vitality back to Ipswich."

The mayor of Ipswich, Elango Elavalakan, said: “This is very good because this [building] was empty but now it is back in use and that is very, very important for us. This is a good addition to the town.

“We are very proud Ipswich is a multicultural town and this is a multicultural store, which can attract many communities who will shop and eat here.

“When the people come here they will also start to shop in other places as well, and so the older shops will benefit because of Ipswich Bazaar.”

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