Century-Old Shoe Shop Closes, Citing High Street Demise
A beloved family-run shoe shop in Northern Ireland has announced its closure after a century in business, with the "demise of the street" blamed for the decision. McKillens, located in Ballymena, first opened its doors in 1926, serving generations of customers with dedication and pride.
Emotional Farewell from McKillens
In a heartfelt statement to customers, the shop expressed deep regret over the closure. "It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of our family business after 100 years," they said. The statement highlighted gratitude for the support from the people of Ballymena and beyond, acknowledging the privilege of serving many generations.
The shop paid tribute to its loyal staff, many of whom spent their entire working lives there, contributing significantly to the company's success over the years. Despite efforts to reduce running costs, increased overheads, the rise of online shopping, and the overall decline of the high street forced this difficult decision.
"These have and continue to be challenging days, and this is a decision that has not been taken lightly," the statement added. The shop thanked all staff and customers sincerely for their support and understanding during this transition.
Retail Industry Reacts
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts commented on the closure, calling it a significant loss for the community. "A well-respected, family-owned independent retailer has been forced to close its doors after 100 years of service to Ballymena," he said. Roberts noted that with another long-standing local trader, Wyse Byse, also closing, this represents a double blow for Ballymena town centre, highlighting broader issues facing high streets across the region.
Another Retailer Collapses
In related news, Houstons Footwear has collapsed into administration after more than five decades in business. The store, located on Strand Road in Londonderry, confirmed it would close in a couple of weeks via a Facebook post. The brand is now in formal administration, with a meeting of creditors scheduled for February 23, 2026, at BDO Northern Ireland's offices in Belfast, as reported by the London Gazette.
On social media, Houstons Footwear explained the decision, stating, "After much thought, we want to let you know that Houston's Footwear will be closing within the next couple of weeks." They described the challenging trading environment, citing impacts from Brexit, Covid-19, and long-term pressures on the high street as key factors.
The post expressed gratitude to staff, suppliers, and customers for their support over the years, echoing the sentiments shared by McKillens. This closure adds to the growing list of independent retailers struggling to survive in an increasingly difficult market.
Broader Implications for High Streets
The closures of McKillens and Houstons Footwear underscore a wider crisis affecting high streets not just in Northern Ireland but across the UK. Factors such as:
- Online Shopping: The shift to e-commerce has reduced foot traffic in physical stores.
- Rising Costs: Increased overheads, including rent and utilities, strain small businesses.
- Economic Pressures: Events like Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated financial challenges.
These issues highlight the need for community support and potential policy interventions to revitalize local high streets and preserve cherished businesses for future generations.
