Shoe store closure deepens concerns about a 'dying' UK town

McKillens, a long-running independent shoe shop in Ballymena, has announced it will close after citing online competition and the Covid pandemic, and the town has seen other recent shop closures including department store Wyse Byse.

McKillens, a long-running independent shoe shop in Ballymena, has announced it will close. The owner, Thomas McKillen, said the shop was busy on its final Wednesday as shoppers came for discounted shoes. He said the business has faced challenges from the rise of online shopping and the Covid pandemic, and described the high street as "not what it used to be." Local residents and shopkeepers have said the town has grown quieter in recent years. Known details: - McKillens is closing; owner Thomas McKillen said the shop was packed on its final Wednesday as shoppers came for discounted stock. - Thomas McKillen said he began working in the store aged seven and described the high street as "not what it used to be." - The owner cited online shopping and the Covid pandemic as contributors to the business's difficulties. - Local residents said shops have been closing regularly, the nearby department store Wyse Byse has also announced it will close, and Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts described McKillens' closure as "extremely sad." Summary: The closure removes a long-standing independent retailer from Ballymena's high street and follows other recent shop announcements in the town. Undetermined at this time.