Much-loved Ballymena shop Wyse Byse to close after 53 years serving the community

Wyse Byse on Church Street, Ballymena

A much-loved Ballymena retailer that has been part of daily life for generations is preparing to close its doors after more than half a century in business.

Wyse Byse, a familiar presence on Church Street – and before that Wellington Street – will cease trading in the coming weeks, bringing to an end 53 years of independent retailing that has left a lasting mark on Ballymena and beyond.

For decades, families from Ballymena and further afield have walked through its doors, greeted by friendly faces and shelves filled with affordable goods that became part of everyday childhood memories.

For many, Wyse Byse was more than just a shop – it was a local institution.

The announcement follows a decision by Wyse Byse Co-founder and Managing Director Richard McLoughlin to retire, a milestone he described with both pride and sadness.

In a message to customers and staff, Mr McLoughlin said:

“As announced last Autumn, after 53 enjoyable years in business, I have made the decision to retire. Unfortunately, the Wyse Byse stores will be closing in the coming weeks.

“Alongside my late brother, Jim, it has been a privilege to serve local communities in East Belfast and Ballymena for over five decades. I feel incredibly proud of the business we built together, seeing it grow over the years into a much-loved local business serving generations of customers across the region.”

He paid particular tribute to the staff who helped build the business into a trusted name on the high street, many of whom dedicated most of their working lives to the store.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our staff, past and present, many of whom have been with us for over 40 years, for their hard work, loyalty, and dedication throughout the Wyse Byse journey. Our success would not have been possible without you.”

His final words were reserved for the customers who sustained the business for more than five decades.

“And finally, to our valued customers, thank you for your incredible support over the past 53 years. As a local independent retailer, your continued support has been vital to our success and longevity.

“We will miss serving you but will forever treasure the memories.”

The closure has prompted an outpouring of affection from the local community, including North Antrim MP Jim Allister, who described Wyse Byse as a cornerstone of Ballymena’s retail landscape.

He said:

“It is very disappointing that Wyse Byse is closing in Ballymena after decades as a mainstay on Church Street and before that Wellington Street.

“As an independent trader the McLaughlin brothers, Richard and the late Jim - both of whom were known to me - brought value and great variety to their loyal customers. Indeed my own children when growing up often spent their pocket money there!

“Ballymena will greatly miss their impressive retail offering.”

Mr Allister also recalled the resilience shown by the business following a dark chapter in the town’s history.

“Their commitment to the town was demonstrated when they rebuilt the store after the IRA firebomb attack in 1991.”

He added:

“My thoughts are very much with the staff now losing their jobs. But thank you to Wyse Byse for everything they brought to Ballymena.”

As Ballymena fights against the decline of traditional high street retail, the loss of Wyse Byse is being felt not just as the closure of a shop, but as the end of a shared local story – one written in pocket-money purchases, friendly chats at the till, and decades of loyalty between a family business and the community it served.