“Our success would not have been possible without you,” their co-founder said
Wyse Byse will close after 53 years in business(Image: WyseByse)
A popular Northern Irish retailer has announced that all of their locations are set to close after 53 years in business.
Wyse Byse was founded by Richard McLoughlin and his late brother, Jim McLoughlin in Ballymena in 1972 and has grown into a well-established and much-loved local retailer, serving generations of customers across the region.
In addition to their original location, they have two stores in East Belfast, with their Cregagh Road store having opened in 1974, followed by a store on the Newtownards Road in 1984.
Following Mr McLoughlin’s retirement, the business has confirmed that Wyse Byse stores will close in the coming weeks.
Richard McLoughlin said: “A heartfelt thank you to all our staff, past and present, many of whom have been with us for over 20 years, for their hard work, loyalty, and dedication throughout the Wyse Byse journey.
“Our success would not have been possible without you.”
Wyse Byse also extends sincere thanks to its valued customers for their continued support over the past 53 years, stating that it has been a privilege to serve the local community for more than half a century and said that further information regarding the closure will be communicated in due course.
East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson described the closure as “very sad news.”
“Wyse Byse has been far more than a shop, but for generations of families in East Belfast and Ballymena, it has been a familiar and trusted presence on the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Cregagh Road. From light bulbs to last minute essentials, birthday cards to extension leads, cleaning products or a new mug set, Wyse Byse was the place you could rely on,” he said.
“Alongside his late brother Jim, Richard created something truly special, a local independent business that stood the test of time and navigated through the enormous changes in the retail world.
“I want to pay particular tribute to the many staff, many of whom dedicated decades of their working lives to Wyse Byse. That level of loyalty speaks volumes about the values at the heart of this business and the respect shown to those who helped make it what it was.
“To Richard and his family, thank you. Thank you for your contribution to our local economy and our community life over more than five decades and to every customer that walked through the door and kept our local institution alive.
“Wyse Byse will be sorely missed but its legacy will long be remembered. I wish Richard every good wish for his well-deserved retirement.”
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