(Image: Freelancer)
A major high street retailer has announced it is shutting one of its North Yorkshire stores.
Malton's TG Jones in Wheelgate, formerly known as WH Smith, will close in the New Year.
Stationery and bookshop chain TG Jones, is closing around 20 shops across the UK as part of restructuring plans to prevent the retail chain from falling into administration.
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Owner Modella will close 150 of the retail chain’s 450 shops under its restructuring plans, and the first closures have been confirmed for this month.
The shops affected have all launched closing-down sales for customers, while the TG Jones website offers online discounts on books, stationery and LEGO sets.
Last year, WH Smith was purchased by private equity firm Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft and previously owned Claire’s Accessories before its collapse.
Following the purchase, Modella notably chose to rebrand all WH Smith shops, excluding those in airports and at train stations, into TG Jones.
When sales fell, Modella warned it could face insolvency if its now-approved restructuring plan, which involves closing stores, writing off debt, and cutting rent for landlords, was not approved.
A spokesperson for TG Jones said: "As we work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, we have confirmed that our Malton shop will close. We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers, and the local community. 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."
Prior to the store being a TG Jones and WH Smith the Malton store was a Woolworths for many years.
The store is expected to close on January 9, 2027 following a closing down sale.