End of an Era for Ballymena Shoe Shop
After a remarkable 100 years in business, the owners of a longstanding shoe shop in Ballymena have decided to close their doors, marking the end of a significant local institution.
This closure came as a surprise to two shoppers on a special mission.
Jo Montgomery and Anne Allen had planned to purchase wedding shoes, as Jo's daughter is set to marry Anne's son, but they found the shop closed.
"We were coming to McKillens to look for shoes for the wedding but it's closed, I can't believe it," said Anne, the mother of the groom.
"It's very disappointing, so sad to see."
McKillens has been a fixture in Ballymena since 1926.
The store was closed on Tuesday, ahead of a final closing down sale scheduled for Wednesday.
Jo, from Ballyclare, mentioned that she frequently visited the town because the high street "always had what you needed."
"It has been wild looking for a dress for the wedding as mothers' of the bride and groom, it's so important," said Jo.
"You want to try it on and make sure it's right."
Impact on Local Businesses and Community
The closure of McKillens follows the recent shutdown of another family-run business, Wyse Byse, which opened in the town centre in 1972 and closed earlier this month.
Peter Kincaid and Anne Speers, residents of Ballymena, expressed concerns about the town's declining vibrancy.
"The town is dying," said Peter, noting that shops are closing "regularly now."
"Shops are closing all the time and nobody is buying. Families are retiring and you need a viable business to get someone to buy it over and that's not happening," said Anne.
Anne added that they enjoy coming to the town to "get out the door" but lamented that there is "not much to do."
Peter, who worked in construction, recalled repairing the roof of McKillens many years ago.
"It was a great business and this place was bustling. It's such a shame, there's hardly anyone here in the town now."
Visitors Reflect on Changes in Ballymena
Pamela Jackson and her daughter Emily traveled from Portadown to Ballymena to take advantage of some sales.
Pamela expressed disappointment at seeing once thriving businesses close.
"You walk down some high streets now and there's nothing there, charity shops and cafes just. People are going out to those shopping centres or just going online."
She added that she would always come to Ballymena for Wyse Byse.
"These places were affordable and welcoming, you want to support local businesses but they aren't here anymore."
Chamber of Commerce Responds
Tom Wiggens, chief executive of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce, expressed regret over McKillens' closure.
"The Ballymena area and economy remains vibrant with a bustling town centre attracting new businesses," he said.
Wiggens acknowledged that businesses face "growing pressures," which contributed to McKillens' decision to close.
He emphasized that the chamber will continue to advocate for additional support.
"This is particularly important in the coming days and weeks when councils and the executive are in the process of setting both business and domestic rates," he added.
