Ballymena ice cream shop cites crippling business costs behind closure
Crippling costs and increasingly tough business conditions have led to the closure of one of Ballymena’s longest-running businesses.
McGroggans has been famous for its ice cream for generations, serving the town for 103 years.
In a post on social media at the end of May, they announced that it was “with a heavy heart” they would close their doors for the final time on 30th May.
“Our family is immensely grateful for the incredible community that has supported us,” they said.
“Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for your loyalty, memories, and support throughout the years.
In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Alison O’Neill, daughter of owner Brian McGroggan, said businesses in Ballymena had been left “crucified” by the prices of running a shop today.
“In general, the footfall in our town is a disaster,” Alison told the newspaper.
“There’s no help for small businesses anymore. We’re getting crucified with costs, that have gone way up beyond our control. We just couldn’t do it anymore.”
Ballymena has witnessed the closure of some of its most long-standing and beloved businesses over the last six to 12 months, with McKillens in the town closing after a century in business, and Wyse Byse co-founder and MD Richard McLoughlin stating he would retire after 53 years in business, with its stores in Ballymena and East Belfast closing earlier this year.
In almost all cases of businesses closing across Northern Ireland, they have stated rising operating costs and extremely tough trading conditions.
The loss of McGroggans serves as another reminder of the challenges facing the region’s high streets and hard-working retailers, who are continue to battle hard to stay in business.
