TG Jones, the stationery retailer in Stourbridge town centre, is set to close its doors for good. The store, located in the Ryemarket shopping centre opposite Waitrose, will welcome customers for the final time on January 9, 2027, according to a company spokesperson.
The closure represents a significant loss for the town, as the branch has been a retail staple for years, primarily operating under the former WHSmith banner before the rebranding last year.
Company Confirms Closure and Support Plans
A spokesperson for TG Jones confirmed the news, stating: "As we work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, we have confirmed that our Stourbridge shop will close."
"We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers, and the local community," the spokesperson added. "Our focus now is on supporting those affected and continuing to serve customers throughout the closure period."
The company also expressed gratitude to its staff, saying: "We would like to thank all of our colleagues for their commitment and the contribution they have made to TG Jones."
Wider Restructuring Affects Hundreds of Stores
The Stourbridge closure is part of a larger wave of downsizing across the TG Jones chain. The brand currently operates around 450 sites across the UK, employing approximately 4,700 staff. However, this footprint is set to shrink dramatically following a major restructuring plan approved by the High Court in July.
Owner Modella Capital's plan will see 150 TG Jones stores closed, potentially resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs. As part of this restructure, 19 TG Jones stores are scheduled to close in September alone.
Closing-down sales have already begun in several TG Jones shops across the UK, with the Stourbridge branch offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on remaining stock. Customers can also access discounts online during this period.
Background of the Brand Transition
All WH Smith stores were renamed TG Jones last year, with the exception of travel outlets in airports and train stations, following the acquisition by Modella Capital. The Stourbridge store, which has been a fixture in the Ryemarket shopping centre for years, now faces its final weeks of trading.
The closure will leave a notable gap in the town centre retail offering, and the company has indicated it will continue to serve customers throughout the closure period until the final day in January 2027.
