TG Jones plans 150 closures - full list of all stores shutting this month

TG Jones plans 150 closures - full list of all stores shutting this month The chain which replaced WH Smith on high streets across the country is undergoing a major shake-up, with closing-down sales already underway for affected branches A major high street retailer is shutting 19 of its stores this month as sweeping closure plans gets underway across the UK. TG Jones, the stationary and book chain formerly known as WH Smith is pressing ahead with a major restructuring programme, which will eventually see Owner Modella Capital plans to close 150 of the retailer’s 450 shops in an effort to secure its future, with 19 branches earmarked to go during September alone. The first, in Bath, has already pulled down its shutters for good, while stores in Redcar and Redhill are due to follow today, September 5. Closing-down sales have also begun at affected branches ahead of their final days of trading. A further closure is already lined up for next month, with the Maldon High Street branch in Essex set to shut on October 9. The closures come after Modella bought WH Smith’s high street business last year and replaced the familiar name with TG Jones across its town and city centre stores. Branches at airports and railway stations were not included in the deal and retained the WH Smith name. Modella, which owns Hobbycraft and previously owned Claire’s Accessories before its collapse, later warned that TG Jones could face insolvency unless its restructuring proposal was given the go-ahead. The plan, which includes store closures, debt write-offs and reduced rents for landlords, was approved by the High Court in July after lawyers warned urgent action was needed to avoid an £8million shortfall. Lawyers for TG Jones pointed to falling sales, increased costs and shifts in shopping habits among the pressures behind its financial difficulties. The retailer has also acknowledged that replacing the long-established WH Smith name had harmed its performance. The impact of the wider closure programme has already been felt in communities facing the loss of their local branch. Addressing the decision to shut the Wickford store, a TG Jones spokesman said: “We appreciate this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers and the local community. Our priority now is on supporting those affected colleagues while continuing to serve our customers until the store closes.” Local business leaders have also appealed for people to continue spending on their high streets as affected stores enter their final weeks. A spokesman for Your Billericay, the town’s Business Improvement District, said: “Let’s support TG Jones in their final weeks; now it’s time to show them some local love. “Pop in, have a browse, and support the team while you can. And while you’re in town, why not visit a few more of our fantastic High Street businesses too? Our High Street needs us. Every purchase, visit, and recommendation makes a difference." [Image text:] TGJones ort Bo sor