Ballymena Discount Day Success Sets the Tone for the Season Ahead
On Thursday 6 November, Ballymena town centre businesses once again came together for the much loved annual Ballymena Discount Day. The day proved a huge success from early morning right through until stores closed at 9pm. Thousands of visitors travelled from across Northern Ireland and beyond to enjoy the offers, atmosphere and unique shopping experience.
Some participating businesses reported sales increases of up to fifty percent and others up to seventy percent compared to last year. The event reaffirmed Ballymena town centre as one of the most vibrant and distinctive retail destinations in the region.
Aidan Clifford of Sam’s of Ballymena said: “We had an amazing day at Sam’s of Ballymena. The atmosphere and volume of visitors from near and far was spectacular. I have been working Ballymena Discount Day for years and it is always one of the best days of the year, but this year was truly something special. Credit has to go to Ballymena BID for their commitment to organising the event every year.”
The day began with five hundred shoppers flocking to the Harmony Hub to collect their Ballymena shopper bags, each hoping to be one of the lucky few who would find a Ballymena Gift Card inside. All bags were snapped up within the hour.
Clare Moore, Business Engagement Officer for Ballymena BID, said: “Every Discount Day is a celebration of what Ballymena has to offer and we have to thank all businesses for coming together with those amazing offers. This year was incredible. We had visitors from as far as Glasgow come to shop our special day and it was a pleasure to see so many happy shoppers enjoying our town.”
Thomas McKillen, Vice Chair of Ballymena BID and Chair of the BID Marketing Group, said: “The BID Marketing Group works incredibly hard throughout the year to deliver campaigns and events that support our businesses and keep Ballymena front of mind with shoppers. Discount Day is one of our biggest annual projects and it is always rewarding to see the town so busy and vibrant. The response from businesses and visitors this year shows the real strength of the town centre and the impact that comes from working together.”
Discount Day is one of many events delivered by Ballymena BID each year. This autumn alone the BID team has hosted a sell out fashion show, delivered a hugely popular Halloween programme and maintained the day to day work that supports businesses across the town centre. All of this took place while the BID was also in the middle of its ballot process for a third term.
Ballymena BID Secures Its Third BID Term
Ballymena BID was the first Business Improvement District established in Northern Ireland. Every five years, businesses vote on whether the BID should continue for another term.
The 2026 to 2031 ballot opened in mid October and closed at 5pm on Thursday 27 November 2025. The results were formally received by the Returning Officer, Valerie Watts, Interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, on Friday 28 November 2025.
Ballot results released by the independent scrutineer, Civica Election Services, confirmed that both required majorities were achieved. The turnout thresholds required in Northern Ireland, twenty five percent by number and twenty five percent by rateable value, were also met.
Emma McCrea, Ballymena BID Manager, said: “BID is all about businesses coming together with a shared aim of making our town the best it can be. The support shown through this ballot is a clear reflection of that unity and belief in what we can achieve collectively. We have already delivered so much together, from major events to day to day support, and securing a third term gives us the platform to keep building on that momentum. I want to thank every business that engaged with us throughout the ballot. We are committed to continuing this partnership and delivering even more for Ballymena.”
Chair of Ballymena BID Roy Smith said: “I would like to thank all businesses for their continued confidence in Ballymena BID. Securing a third term is a strong endorsement of the work we deliver and the value the BID brings to the town centre. We are committed to building on this momentum and will continue to champion, support and promote Ballymena in every way we can. We look forward to working together with businesses to deliver even more for our town over the next five years.”
BID’s third term will begin on 1 April 2026.
Stepping Into Christmas With Confidence
This positive news arrives at the perfect time as Ballymena enters its busiest three weeks of the year. The BID team has a strong programme of festive animation planned to support businesses and enhance the visitor experience, alongside an extensive marketing campaign which launched in mid November and will continue through to Christmas.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I am delighted that Council continues to support Ballymena BID in its mission to enhance economic growth and community vibrancy in the town. The BID model continues to exemplify the strength of collaboration between Council and the business community, and we remain committed to fostering this partnership to drive continued economic prosperity in Ballymena.”
Deputy Mayor and new Ballymena BID Board member, Councillor Tyler Hoey, added: “Council recognises the value of the BID model in attracting investment to our town centres and is keen to see similar successes replicated across the borough, delivering wider economic benefits and fostering community growth. I am delighted to contribute to Ballymena BID’s work and look forward to supporting future town centre initiatives.”
With a renewed mandate from businesses and a packed festive programme ahead, Ballymena BID is set to support the town through its most important trading period and into a confident new chapter.
