𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The closure of up to 150 high street stores previously part of the WH Smith business is the “direct result of government policy and recent geopolitical events”, its owners have said.

It is understood hundreds of jobs at TGJones are at risk as part of the restructuring plans the company said were necessary after the last 12 months of “highly challenging trading conditions”.

The shops were rebranded under the name TGJones after the purchase of 480 WH Smith stores by Modella Capital last year.

In a statement provided to the Press Association on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the business said the decision to restructure the company “had not been taken lightly”.

The statement said: “While we continue to believe in the strength of the core business, TGJones has experienced highly challenging trading conditions over the past year, along with many other brick-and-mortar retailers.

“Weak consumer spending and cost-of-living pressures, combined with rising operating costs as a direct result of government policy and recent geopolitical events, have meant that the company as a whole has remained loss-making.

“The forced name change from WH Smith has also negatively impacted consumer awareness, despite the fact that the proposition has improved.”

The statement continued: “The survival of this iconic 234-year-old business is our imperative. No decisions have yet been taken on how this will impact roles, but we will aim to preserve as many jobs as possible.

“Any potential store closures or role reductions will be subject to appropriate consultation, and we are committed to engaging openly and constructively with colleagues and their representatives.

“We want to be clear, however, that the plan may result in the closure of some stores and the loss of some roles.

“We recognise the impact this uncertainty will have on colleagues, their families and the communities we serve.”