After more than three decades of providing fancy dress costumes, practical jokes and saucy hen-do garb, Ipswich’s Games and Giggles is closing down. The shop, in The Walk in the town centre, celebrated its 30th anniversary in style two years ago but the owners have announced that they will be closing for good this weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: Reporter Matt Stott channels his elf-esteem, with a costume from Games and Giggles last Christmas.Reporter Matt Stott channels his elf-esteem, with a costume from Games and Giggles last Christmas. (Image: Archant)

In a bid to offload stock, a sale has been taking place this week with many items half-price.

No-one at Games and Giggles wished to comment, but a message on the company’s Facebook page said: “We keep getting asked ‘Is it true?’

“Sadly so. We are closing down on Saturday November 8. Still time to get your half price costume for those fast approaching Christmas parties.”

Dozens of people have left messages thanking the staff for their great service over the years.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Clare Bowen, Matt Bunn (Star reporter), Mary Green and Karen Andrew at Games and Giggles in Ipswich try on some Bradley Wiggins sideburns during the London Olympics.Clare Bowen, Matt Bunn (Star reporter), Mary Green and Karen Andrew at Games and Giggles in Ipswich try on some Bradley Wiggins sideburns during the London Olympics.

The page also explained that the lease on the site had run out.

Lisa Smith said: “Best shop ever when I was younger – every Saturday we used to buy the pretend cigarettes and whoopee cushion.”

Sarah Matthews commented: “The end of an era! I spent many years growing up over the road from Mr Games & Giggles! And we still call him that! “Where are people gonna get those little popper things from now that you throw on the floor to make people jump?? Sad times.” Ally Lord added: “Oh no! I can remember coming in here every Saturday as a kid and buying a new practical joke to play on my friends. Such a shame.”

In response, Games and Giggles said: “Ah yes, Saturdays – children peering over the counter, pennies poised. We will miss those.”

The store has also been a friend of the Ipswich Star over the years, regularly supplying reporters with costumes to help illustrate some of the more unusual stories filling its pages.