Mica chief executive Michael Ball has described as "very sad" the news of the closure this month of a long-established hardware independent in Rathfriland, Newry.
Stewart and James Mica Hardware has been a feature of the town for more than 80 years, but now owners Jim and Barbara Stoops - who acquired the business in 2006 - have given up the struggle to stay afloat.

Mr Ball told diyweek.net: "Yes, we're aware of the news from Northern Ireland, it is really very sad. I can confirm that the shop has closed. [Mica commercial manager Steve Ball] has spoken to Mr Stoops, and it seems to be a mixture of circumstances have conspired against him.

"The ailing agricultural industry in Northern Ireland (a big portion of his business, not DIY product) resulted in poor margins not covering overheads, he also had some long overdue debts and was struggling with the level of rates.

"Hopefully [last week's] Budget will mean the latter will be less of an issue for stores in future, but our members still have to contend with the impending Living Wage and free out-of-town parking."

He added: "Mica is here for (and owned by) its members so when times are tough we work with them to ensure they are able to stay in business, and that their local community retains its independent shop. We have done this for a numbers of members since the financial crash and we're just gutted [Mr and Mrs Stoops] didn't reach out to us before it all got too much as we may have been able to help them right the ship."

The sentiment will be echoed by Steve Ball in the next issue of Mica Mail, in which he will be quoted as saying: "It is very sad to hear of the demise of this store, for Jim and Barbara personally and for their local community. I wish they had contacted us before reaching the point of no return, as I'm confident we could have helped them work through their difficulties."