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TG Jones Hires Teneo as 80 Former WH Smith Stores Flagged at Risk

The private equity-owned chain is reviewing options after weaker trading since last year's rebrand.

Overview

  • Owner Modella Capital has appointed Teneo to draw up a restructuring plan, with store closures under consideration but no decisions taken.
  • Reports indicate roughly 80 locations across a 450-plus estate are most vulnerable following a period of weak sales.
  • Advisers are also weighing rent renegotiations with landlords and a potential request for support from WH Smith.
  • Local fallout is starting to show: the Maidenhead branch says it is in its final weeks with a 30% clearance sale, and its in-store Post Office will shut.
  • Constraints from last year’s sale include a reported 12‑month limit on closures, while Modella’s recent administrations of Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop and concerns over the TG Jones rebrand add to the pressures.