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A family run shoe shop has announced its closure, blaming its fate on the "demise of the high street". McKillens has served customers in Ballymena, Northern Ireland since 1926 but said that with "deep regret", it would be forced to close after a century.

The store closed earlier this month with a large closing down sale bringing locals to the shop to share stories about the local institution. In a statement, they said: "It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of our family business after 100 years. We are grateful for the privilege of serving the people of Ballymena and beyond for many generations. Their support has been, and is, greatly appreciated.

"We want to pay tribute to the dedication of our loyal staff, many of who have spent their working life with us.

"They have greatly contributed to the success of the company for many years.

"Despite having taken measures to reduce running costs, the increased overheads, online shopping and the demise of the high street have all contributed to our decision to cease trading at this point."

The owner of McKillens, Thomas McKillen told BBC News NI that four generations have worked in the shop.

He said: "I grew up as a wee boy working in here, when I was seven... and I have been here ever since.

"There's nothing nice about what we are doing [closing down], it is very sad, it is very hard but it has come to this point.

"The high street, as everybody knows, is not what it used to be".

McKillen cited the rise in the cost of commercial rent as being one of the main factors behind the decision to close.

He added: "Overheads have soared, online business has come in, Covid came along, and the truth of the matter is and really a single factor is, our property is twice the size it needs to be now for the turnover. So our overheads are massive."

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts called McKillens closure "extremely sad".

He said: "A well-respected, family-owned independent retailer has been forced to close its doors after 100 years of service to Ballymena.

"With another long-standing local trader, Wyse Byse, also closing, this represents a double blow for Ballymena town centre."