‘A sincere thank you to all’: McKillens announces final sale

Queues formed outside McKillen’s of Ballymena last week when the shop first announced its closure

After a century on Church Street, one of Ballymena’s best-known family retailers is preparing to close its doors — bringing to an end a story that began with a single brave decision in 1926.

One hundred years ago, a 30-year-old Tom McKillen left his job at McDowells Boot and Shoe Store and opened his own gents’ footwear shop on Church Street, Ballymena.

From those modest beginnings, the business grew into McKillens of Church Street — a name synonymous with quality footwear and personal service for generations of local families.

Much of that growth was shaped by Tom’s son, Matthew McKillen, whose skill and business acumen directed the organisation with a firm hand until his death in 2018.

In more recent years, the responsibility passed to Matthew’s son and grandson, Thomas and Johnnie, who steered the family business through the unprecedented challenges of Covid and the well-documented pressures facing High Street retailers in towns across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Throughout its long history, McKillens has been defined not simply by what it sold, but by how it served.

The McKillen family describe their employees as their most valuable asset — many having spent their entire working lives with the company. They are regarded not as staff, but as friends who are very special to the McKillen family.

Equally treasured are the customers, with many fifth- and sixth-generation families having bought the majority of their footwear from the store over the decades.

Those deep-rooted relationships, the family say, are what make a local family business so special and so valuable in every town.

Now, following what they describe as a difficult decision to close, those bonds are being felt more strongly than ever in the community’s response.

“We cannot begin to express the thanks due to everyone for their care and love, their cards and prayers and the tireless work of every member of staff to make this hard journey more bearable. From our hearts – a sincere thank you to all.”

McKillens is now nearing the end of its Closing Down Sale, with much of the remaining stock already sold. To mark the final chapter, the family has announced one last event.

WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY – EVERYTHING WILL BE 70% OFF AS LONG AS STOCK LASTS.

“PLEASE CALL IN AND GET A BARGAIN, A HUG AND A BIG THANK YOU FROM US ALL! SEE YOU ALL THEN!”

As Ballymena’s retail landscape continues to evolve, the closure of McKillens of Church Street marks the end of a century-long presence built not just on trade, but on trust, loyalty and friendship — a legacy that will be remembered long after the shutters come down.