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Small Business Spotlight: Threads for All

Feature

While many retailers have retreated from town centres, Threads for All is bucking the trend. The Ipswich store combines affordable style with local craftsmanship, challenging perceptions about independent fashion with unique pieces at high street prices.

Founders Will and Jenny outside Threads for All in Ipswich
Threads for All founders Will and JennyOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Threads for All is an independent fashion and homeware store in The Walk, a quaint but underpopulated throughfare that links Tavern Street and the Buttermarket in the heart of Ipswich's town centre.

It was founded by retail veterans Will and Jenny and opened its doors in the late summer of 2024 to provide affordable, unique fashion while supporting local craftspeople.

More than just another clothes shop

The store, which offers gender-neutral and unisex fashion for adults and children alongside accessories and homeware, was born from its founders' frustration with corporate retail restrictions and their passion for improving Ipswich town centre's appeal.

"We were warned not to open in Ipswich, but this was never in question – we wanted to show it can be done," says Jenny, who brings over two decades of fashion retail experience from companies including Jones Bootmaker and WD Coes.

Will, a former chef turned visual merchandiser who previously ran the vintage fashion business "Thread and Tipple," adds his creative expertise to the venture. The pair met while working at Suffolk Food Hall before deciding to launch their own business.

Supporting local talent

Threads for All is more than just a retailer. The store provides affordable rental space for local craftspeople to showcase their work, creating a unique shopping destination that supports local makers. They hope to expand on this concept in the future by running "Meet the Makers" evenings at the store.

Maintaining affordable quality

Despite the huge personal risk of starting a new retail business, Jenny and Will were deeply passionate about maintaining prices comparable to high street giants like Primark. "We are very aware of the cost of living," Jenny explains. "This shouldn't mean we only have the choice of shopping for clothes in supermarkets."

Christmas plans

The self-confessed Christmas lovers have "BIG" plans for the festive season. Their store will be transformed into a grotto inspired by European Christmas markets with two distinct themes: Traditional Scandinavian and 1980s Multi-Colour Kitsch. Don't worry, I had to Google '1980s Multi-Colour Kitsch', too.

They're also opening late and organising The Walk's first Christmas market, where local vendors can participate by making charitable donations. They excitedly teased Ipswich.co.uk that they had other plans but couldn't be convinced to share the details just yet.

The harsh realities of launching a high street retail business in 2024

Behind the stylish façade lies the stark reality of modern retail. "We make enough each month to keep going for the next month," Will explains, noting they pay themselves the national minimum wage.

Even basic setup proved challenging: "The first hurdle was just getting Eon to turn the electricity on!"

Having launched in the summer, the pair had to quickly pivot from spring to autumn collections while stockpiling for Christmas. "We'll need a fantastic festive season to keep us running through the quiet months of January to March," Jenny says. Despite these pressures, they remain determined to prove doubters wrong about Ipswich's retail market.

"More upstairs" sign in Threads for All in Ipswich
One of the stranger challenges the owners have been faced with is convincing customers to go upstairs, despite their best efforts!Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Looking ahead

Despite some initial challenges, Will and Jenny remain optimistic for the future. Their aspirations include expanding their own-brand items, hosting "Meet the Makers" evenings, and potentially opening stores in other towns.

For now, though, their focus remains firmly on making their Ipswich store a success and proving that independent retail can thrive in the town centre.

As Will puts it, "This project was created to help improve Ipswich town and create a positive shopping experience – it was never about making us millionaires!"

It's an ambition close to my heart, and I commend them for it.

As the saying goes, "use it or lose it." Visit the guys on The Walk in Ipswich or check out their website at https://www.threadsforall.co.uk/

Health Minister meets Ipswich MPs over cancelled surgery plans

News

The government minister responsible for primary care has met with Ipswich's MPs to discuss the cancelled development of a 'super surgery' in north west Ipswich. Stephen Kinnock MP held talks with local representatives following the scrapping of Cardinal Medical Practice's planned development at the former Tooks Bakery site.

Why it matters: The meeting signals high-level government engagement with Ipswich's primary care challenges, particularly in the north west of the town where the cancelled development was planned.

The big picture: The development at the former Tooks Bakery site was intended to create a new 'super surgery' that would embed healthcare services within the local community, aligning with the government's long-term NHS strategy.

Jack Abbott, Patrick Spencer and Health Minister Stephen Kinnock
Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 NovemberOffice of Jack Abbott MP

The details: Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 November:

  • Both MPs emphasised the need for improved primary care in north west Ipswich

  • The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to community-based healthcare

  • The project was meant to align with recommendations from the Darzi Report on NHS strategy

  • No immediate solution was proposed

What they're saying:

  • "I will continue to work with local and national politicians and our local NHS to try and find a workable solution," said Jack Abbott MP

  • Patrick Spencer MP described the cancellation as "bitterly disappointing" for both the medical practice and local residents

  • Spencer added that the promised new 'super surgery' would "deliver exactly what the Government has committed to – health services embedded in the local community"

The bottom line: While the minister has reinforced the government's commitment to community healthcare, no immediate solution has been proposed for the cancelled development. Both MPs have pledged to continue working towards a sustainable solution.

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