Small Business Spotlight: Threads for All

Threads for All is an independent fashion and homeware store in The Walk, a quaint but underpopulated throughfare that links Tavern Street and the Buttermarket in the heart of Ipswich's town centre.

It was founded by retail veterans Will and Jenny and opened its doors in the late summer of 2024 to provide affordable, unique fashion while supporting local craftspeople.

More than just another clothes shop

The store, which offers gender-neutral and unisex fashion for adults and children alongside accessories and homeware, was born from its founders' frustration with corporate retail restrictions and their passion for improving Ipswich town centre's appeal.

"We were warned not to open in Ipswich, but this was never in question – we wanted to show it can be done," says Jenny, who brings over two decades of fashion retail experience from companies including Jones Bootmaker and WD Coes.

Will, a former chef turned visual merchandiser who previously ran the vintage fashion business "Thread and Tipple," adds his creative expertise to the venture. The pair met while working at Suffolk Food Hall before deciding to launch their own business.

Supporting local talent

Threads for All is more than just a retailer. The store provides affordable rental space for local craftspeople to showcase their work, creating a unique shopping destination that supports local makers. They hope to expand on this concept in the future by running "Meet the Makers" evenings at the store.

Maintaining affordable quality

Despite the huge personal risk of starting a new retail business, Jenny and Will were deeply passionate about maintaining prices comparable to high street giants like Primark. "We are very aware of the cost of living," Jenny explains. "This shouldn't mean we only have the choice of shopping for clothes in supermarkets."

Christmas plans

The self-confessed Christmas lovers have "BIG" plans for the festive season. Their store will be transformed into a grotto inspired by European Christmas markets with two distinct themes: Traditional Scandinavian and 1980s Multi-Colour Kitsch. Don't worry, I had to Google '1980s Multi-Colour Kitsch', too.

They're also opening late and organising The Walk's first Christmas market, where local vendors can participate by making charitable donations. They excitedly teased Ipswich.co.uk that they had other plans but couldn't be convinced to share the details just yet.

The harsh realities of launching a high street retail business in 2024

Behind the stylish façade lies the stark reality of modern retail. "We make enough each month to keep going for the next month," Will explains, noting they pay themselves the national minimum wage.

Even basic setup proved challenging: "The first hurdle was just getting Eon to turn the electricity on!"

Having launched in the summer, the pair had to quickly pivot from spring to autumn collections while stockpiling for Christmas. "We'll need a fantastic festive season to keep us running through the quiet months of January to March," Jenny says. Despite these pressures, they remain determined to prove doubters wrong about Ipswich's retail market.

Looking ahead

Despite some initial challenges, Will and Jenny remain optimistic for the future. Their aspirations include expanding their own-brand items, hosting "Meet the Makers" evenings, and potentially opening stores in other towns.

For now, though, their focus remains firmly on making their Ipswich store a success and proving that independent retail can thrive in the town centre.

As Will puts it, "This project was created to help improve Ipswich town and create a positive shopping experience – it was never about making us millionaires!"

It's an ambition close to my heart, and I commend them for it.

As the saying goes, "use it or lose it." Visit the guys on The Walk in Ipswich or check out their website at https://www.threadsforall.co.uk/