New data released shows that Ipswich is outperforming national trends with annual visits rising from 24,065,561 in 2019 to 28,661,060 in 2025, with average daily footfall climbing from 65,933 to 78,523.
While many UK retail destinations remain below 2019 levels, Ipswich has not only recovered but strengthened.
A notable behavioural shift has emerged, with weekdays now around 20% busier than weekends.
People coming in to Ipswich town centre (Image: Lucy Taylor)
Average weekday footfall stands at 82,416 compared with 68,754 at weekends, and Friday has become the busiest day of the week.
Activity is increasingly concentrated between 12pm and 3pm, while evening visits have reduced slightly from 18% to 16% of total footfall.
Dwell time is strongest midweek, particularly on Wednesdays.
More visitors are coming from local postcodes such as IP1 and IP2, and around 30% of visitors are aged 60 and over.
Event participation is also strong, with 56% attending at least one town centre event in 2024.
Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central (Image: John Ferguson/ Ipswich Central)
Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central said: “It Is positive to see such strong footfall in Ipswich town centre.
“When the economy is tough and business’ face many challenges, we continue to work hard, day in day out, to create moments that give people a reason to come in.
“From public art to live music, showcasing our independents and the town’s food and drink offering, we want more and more people to come and use Ipswich and enjoy all of the brilliance that the town has to offer.”
Will Harmer, owner of Threads for All in The Walk, said: “Business wasn’t smooth or easy in our first 12 months, but we are delighted to see footfall has risen in Ipswich.
“This matches our sales increasing over the last 18 months. We are proud to be in Ipswich, we’re proud of its change, and though some challenges remain, we will continue to deliver a product and offer that customers want and are excited about.”
Mark Hubert of James St Peter’s (Image: Lucy Taylor)
“Ipswich town centre footfall is 19 per cent higher than it was before the pandemic,” said Mark Hubert, Chairman of the Ipswich Independents Group and founder of James St. Peter’s.
“Many UK town centres are still stabilising. Ipswich is not.
“More people are choosing to come into the centre, and businesses that respond are seeing the benefit.
“At James St. Peter’s, we are experiencing double-digit growth by doing what physical retail does best: expertise, service and trust.
“Ipswich is improving, and the numbers prove it.”