End of an Era: WH Smith Name to Leave the High Street

A well-known name is disappearing from the High Street. WH Smith, a store many have relied on for books, newspapers, stationery, and more, has been sold. However, the WH Smith name will not vanish completely.

The High Street shops are being taken over by Modella Capital, a company that already owns Hobbycraft. These stores will be rebranded as TGJones, but WH Smith will still exist in airports, railway stations, and hospitals.

What Stays the Same?

• Post Office counters inside WH Smith stores will remain open.
• Toys 'R' Us sections will continue to be available.
• Modella says it will introduce new product ranges but keep key services.

What’s Changing?

• The WH Smith name will disappear from High Street stores.
• 480 stores will now operate under the TGJones brand.
• 5,000 employees will be affected by the change.
• The company will focus on improving stores and updating their offerings.

Why is This Happening?

WH Smith has been around since 1792 and became famous for selling books, magazines, and newspapers. However, in recent years, it has faced tough competition from supermarkets, discount shops, and online retailers. Some customers also felt the stores were outdated and in need of repair.

Instead of running High Street stores, WH Smith is now focusing on its travel-related businesses, such as those in airports and train stations. These shops make more money because travelers often buy food, drinks, and last-minute essentials on the go.

What Happens Next?

The new name, TGJones, has been chosen because it reflects a family-friendly, familiar feel, similar to WH Smith. However, retail experts say it will take time for people to get used to the change.

There is also uncertainty about whether some stores will close or if jobs will be cut. Retail analysts believe Modella Capital will look at how well each shop is performing before making final decisions.

A New Future for the High Street

Despite the change, some experts believe this could be good for High Streets, as Modella may introduce new ideas and products to attract shoppers.

Many people will feel nostalgic about the end of WH Smith’s High Street presence. However, others are hopeful that the change will bring fresh energy to these stores, making them more appealing to shoppers.

What do you think about this change? Share your thoughts!