iCrack: Does Ipswich have a phone shop problem?

What's happening: A new mobile phone shop, ICrack, is set to open its doors to customers on Westgate Street, near Primark.

The big picture: With the addition of iCrack, Ipswich High Street now hosts 10 mobile phone repair shops, bucking the trend of widespread store closures affecting many UK town centres, including Ipswich.

Why it matters: The proliferation of phone repair shops in Ipswich raises concerns about the diversity of the high street's offering to shoppers and its long-term impact on our town centre.

By the numbers:

• 10 phone repair shops now operate in Ipswich town centre
• iCrack will be the latest addition to Westgate Street

Between the lines: The survival and growth of these businesses in Ipswich contrasts sharply with the struggles other retail sectors face.

What they're saying: We asked one local shopper what they thought, "I honestly don't get how they all survive. It's not a great look for the town centre."

The other side: While the abundance of phone shops may seem excessive to some, it could indicate a thriving market for mobile phone cases, device maintenance and repairs.

The bottom line As iCrack completes its fitting-out process, residents and business owners will continue to raise questions about how this part of Ipswich's retail sector continues to thrive against the odds and the impact that it has on the perception and quality of our town centre.

Have your say: Residents and town centre business owners, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Better yet, if you own, run or work at one of these stories, I'd love to talk. Please contact editor@ipswich.co.uk.