Much-loved Ballymena retailer marks 25 years with major in-store celebration

The Team at Elite Lighting & Interiors in Ballymena

Elite Lighting & Interiors marks 25 years as one of Ballymena’s best-known home and lighting retailers, celebrating a quarter-century in the town centre with a special anniversary sale and a renewed focus on growth.

The long-established Church Street business, which first opened in Easter 2001, is marking the milestone by thanking customers for more than two decades of support and inviting shoppers to join in celebrations running to April 11.

From its beginnings as a specialist lighting retailer to becoming a major interiors destination serving customers across Northern Ireland, the Ballymena business has steadily expanded both its footprint and its offering over the past 25 years.

A Ballymena business milestone

Located at 13–15 Church Street, Elite Lighting & Interiors has become a familiar and trusted name in the town, drawing customers from across the region to what is now one of the largest lighting showrooms in Northern Ireland.

Known for everything from striking statement chandeliers to practical everyday lighting solutions, the store has built a strong reputation for helping customers find the right products for every room and every style.

Its popular Laura Ashley collection remains a key attraction, while the showroom now offers far more than lighting alone.

Over the years, the business has evolved into a comprehensive interiors destination, with customers able to browse dining tables, sofas, beds, mirrors, home accessories, giftware, garden furniture and outdoor lighting.

The result is a one-stop shop for those furnishing a new home, renovating an existing space, updating a single room, or looking for a thoughtful gift.

Built from local ambition

Elite Lighting & Interiors was founded by Angela Ritchie and Colin Gordon, who launched the business in Easter 2001 with a shared ambition to create something special in Ballymena.

The pair brought experience from very different professional backgrounds.

Colin had been working with Michelin while also running a small electrical wholesale business on the side, before deciding to take the leap into retail full-time.

Angela brought experience from both the civil service and hospitality sectors, helping shape the customer-focused approach that has remained central to the business ever since.

The first store opened on Greenvale Street, but its early success quickly made expansion necessary.

Within months, demand had outgrown the original premises, leading to a move later that same year to Broughshane Street.

The business expanded again into the neighbouring unit as customer demand continued to grow.

Church Street expansion

After many successful years on Broughshane Street, Angela and Colin made a significant investment in the future of the business by relocating to their current Church Street premises in 2018.

The move provided a larger and more modern showroom, allowing the business to broaden its product range and improve customer facilities.

Angela Ritchie said:

“We’re so proud to be celebrating 25 years in Ballymena. The support we’ve had from our customers over the years has meant everything to us.

“When we moved to Church Street, it allowed us to really develop the business further. We now have improved facilities, including a lift and customer parking, and we’ve been able to expand our range beyond lighting into furniture and home accessories.”

She also paid tribute to the team behind the business’s long-standing success.

“We’re also incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated team. One of our staff members, Stevie, has been with us from the very beginning, and every member of the team brings experience, knowledge and, of course, a friendly welcome for our customers.”

A trusted name in Ballymena town centre

Today, the showroom is described as a bright and inspiring retail space, designed to help customers create homes they love.

Whether shoppers are planning a full build, undertaking a renovation project, refreshing a room, or searching for the perfect finishing touch, the experienced team continues to offer expert advice and personal service.

The anniversary also comes alongside the recent launch of a new and improved website, making it easier for customers to browse the store’s extensive range online.

The investment signals the next chapter for the long-established Ballymena retailer as it continues to adapt and grow.

Anniversary celebrations under way

To mark the 25-year milestone, Elite Lighting & Interiors is holding a special anniversary sale to April 11.

Customers are being invited to visit the Church Street showroom to explore offers across the store’s range, from practical downlights to statement lighting pieces.

Those building or renovating are also encouraged to call in and speak directly with the team for expert advice on their projects.

After 25 years in business, Elite Lighting & Interiors remains one of Ballymena town centre’s enduring success stories, with the family-run retailer continuing to play a prominent role in the local high street.

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At a glance

• Elite Lighting & Interiors is celebrating 25 years in Ballymena

• The business was founded in Easter 2001 by Angela Ritchie and Colin Gordon

• It first opened on Greenvale Street before moving to Broughshane Street

• The business relocated to Church Street in 2018

• It now operates one of Northern Ireland’s largest lighting showrooms

• The store has expanded into furniture, accessories and outdoor living products

• A special anniversary sale is running from April 2 to April 11

• A new and improved website has recently launched

• The showroom is located at 13–15 Church Street, Ballymena