Independent shop owners in ipswich are asking shoppers to support them or risk losing them from the high street.
It comes as readers created a list of 101 of their favourite local independent shops online.
Members of the Ipswich Remembers group tasked themselves with creating a list of 100 independent retailers in the town in less than a day. They managed it in under two hours.
Among those selected by readers was Lady Norfolk and Lord Rust on Queens Street.
The shop has been run for two and a half years by Andy Hussey and Victoria Norfolk.
“We do love what we do. We just need a few people to support us,” said Mr Hussey.
The venture started as a pop up shop but the pair were so taken with the premises that they decided to make their fixtures permanent.
“Queen’s Street is the best in town,” said Mr Hussey, “especially with the food traders, they bring a cool trendy crowd.”
It’s this diversity that local business leaders believe is key.
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce said:“Suffolk Chamber in Greater Ipswich knows that the economic renaissance that the town is experiencing is built upon the sheer diversity of its business community.
“This includes the retail sector, where Ipswich hosts a dazzling range of top rate independents alongside some great major retail outlets. Consumer choice is key, and shoppers who live or travel into the town are increasingly well-served.”
A spokesperson for Ipswich Central said: “Independent businesses are part of the DNA of any place.
“They are what differentiates one location from another. Consequently, they deserve our support.”
This element of support is key to shops like Lady Norfolk and Lord Rust which was close to closing during one difficult spell.
“We are not saying to people come and spend all your wages in our shop. What we are selling are luxury items,” said Ms Norfolk.
Rather, the pair hope that the public help such stores through social media and other such means if not through money.
“Independent shops need people to choose them first,”said Ms Norfolk, “share it or just pop in and say hello.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here