An Ipswich shopping centre said it bucked the trend in April, despite a gloomy national picture as high streets took a hit for the second month in a row.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Buttermarket shopping centre, Ipswich. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Buttermarket shopping centre, Ipswich. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Buttermarket shopping centre manager Allan Hassell said the cold temperatures did affect shopper behaviour but overall, businesses were reporting an uplift in sales.

“We had a small uplift, as the cold weather experienced at times during April slowed down sales and footfall. Our stores are very much selling their spring ranges now, so not popular when the temperature drops,” he said. “Overall however our retailers and restaurants are still generally reporting increased like-for-like sales for April as a whole. Empire and Superbowl UK have had a marvellous April, with Empire having some of their busiest days since they opened last year.”

High streets across the UK saw footfalls continue to plummet in April, the BRC/Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor showed.