A major British stationary chain is closing the doors to two of its Staffordshire stores, while a third is understood to be facing closure next year.
The Leek and Tamworth branches of TG Jones are closing with “all stock must go” posters being plastered on their windows for weeks.
The Leek shop, on Derby Street, will close on Monday, 12 October. TG Jones has told Daily Focus that the Tamworth store, on Ventura Park, will close on Friday, 9 October, although reports on social media yesterday suggested the closure was more imminent.
It is also understood the Cannock store, on Market Place, will close early next year, confirmed in an Instagram video by Cannock Chase MP Josh Newbury.
TG Jones — formerly WH Smith — is in the middle of a sweeping national shake‑up that will see dozens of shops disappear from the high street. Owner Modella Capital plans to close around a third of the chain’s 450 stores as part of a major restructuring effort.
The card and stationery retailer still operates stores in Hanley, Lichfield, Stafford, Stone and Uttoxeter, but it remains unclear whether those locations will survive the cull.
On 1 July 1 TG Jones’s owners secured court approval for a company‑wide restructure and confirmed the chain will axe 150 UK stores in a last‑ditch bid to keep the brand out of administration. Lists of which stores are closing are being revealed in staggered, monthly batches.
After the plans were approved, Alex Willson, Chief Executive of TG Jones, said: “We welcome the court’s approval of our restructuring plan.
“This decision allows us to move ahead with our turnaround strategy.
“The plan protects the substantial core of the store estate and makes TG Jones a stronger, more sustainable business.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the colleagues, partners and stakeholders who engaged constructively throughout the process, and to Modella Capital for its continued financial commitment.”
A TG Jones spokesperson told Daily Focus: “As we work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, we have confirmed that our Leek and Tamworth shops will close.
“We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers, and the local communities.
“Our focus now is on supporting those affected and continuing to serve customers throughout the closure period.
“We would like to thank all of our colleagues for their commitment and the contribution they have made to TG Jones.”
