Big closing down sale queues as closure of century-old family shop McKillens leaves 'massive hole in Ballymena' - whilst rates for the area rise further
The closure of a 100-year-old shop in Ballymena has left a “massive hole” in the town – and one MLA for the area fears more closures may follow.
McKillens shoe shop in Church Street begins its closing down sale today less than a fortnight after another family-run firm down the street, Wyse Byse, announced it is shutting after 53 years.
Meanwhile the council rates for the area are set to go up.
This was confirmed on Tuesday night, mere hours after the McKillen closure was announced with its management citing “increased overheads, online shopping, and the demise of the high street” as factors.
When the News Letter rang this morning, the shop had just opened its doors for the sale, and the lady who answered said: “I’ve never seen crowds like it.
"They were queued right round the street when I came in – there’s hardly standing room.”
The shop has about 20 permanent staff, and several temporary ones.
Speaking about the closure, DUP MLA for North Antrim Paul Frew told the News Letter: “It’s massive. Every young person from the Ballymena area will have had their feet measured – correctly and properly – in McKillens.
"I got my first shoes there. My children, and now my grandchildren too.
"It’s a devastating blow – it’s basically the anchor tenant in Church Street, and it’s going to leave a massive gap in a street that’s already struggling, and a town that’s already struggling, with the cost of doing business.
"I fear it won’t be the last.
"It’s going to be very badly missed, leaving a massive gap and hole in the heart of town centre, which I’m not sure we can replace.
"It was a privately-owned, family run independent retailer, and once they go, you don’t get them back.”
He said that the number of independent shops in Ballymena was “always its strength”.
Asked if there is concern its high street will come to resemble just any other chain store-led town centre, he said: “100%.”
He also laid part of the blame on the Covid lockdowns.
The rates – which apply to both residents and businesses – are set to rise in Mid and East Antrim Borough by 2.95%.
The council said that this means “the weekly increase for average businesses will be around £8”.
TUV councillor Matthew Armstrong also lamented the loss of McKillens, saying “it’s somewhat of an institution”, adding: “There’s not many families in the town haven’t been in the place.”
He also said that, when it comes to the rates rise, he said “I empathise” with firms, adding that with inflation “there has to be a rate increase of some description… council have to pay energy bills, insurance, wages”.
DUP councillor for Ballymena Reuben Glover told the News Letter: “If you couldn’t get a decent pair of shoes in McKillens, you couldn’t get them anywhere.
"It’s a big shock. It’ll be a big, big loss.
"It’s unreal. There was three or four generations in that shop.”
Tom Wiggins, chief executive of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “The Ballymena area and its economy remains vibrant, with a bustling town centre attracting many new businesses including the fantastic Primark store which is bringing in shoppers from across Northern Ireland.
"Growing pressures on business has been cited as a reason for the unfortunate closure and whilst Mid and East Antrim council are very supportive of business, we have lobbied and continue to lobby council, the Executive and elected representatives to provide additional support to businesses not only in retail but in all sectors.”