TG Jones and Post Office Set to Close Early 2027

TG Jones, the stationary retailer formerly known as WH Smith, has announced that its St Andrews branch will close on 9 January, 2027.  

The Post Office, which currently operates inside the branch on South Street, will be closed alongside the store. TG Jones’ Arbroath branch is also set to close on this date.

The decision to close the St Andrews branch follows a slew of TG Jones closures. 

On 2 September, 2026, the retailer issued a list of 150 stores that they intend to close as part of a sweeping restructuring. This strategy seeks to prevent the chain falling into administration. Of these 150 locations, nineteen will be closed by the end of the month.

In conversation with The Courier, a spokesperson for TG Jones recognised the impact of this closure: “We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers, and the local community.” 

The spokesperson stated that TG Jones intends on “continuing to serve customers throughout the closure period,” and thanked colleagues for their “commitment and contribution” to the brand. 

Also speaking with The Courier, a Post Office spokesperson said that they “fully recognise” the market challenges that have affected TG Jones and similar High Street retailers.  

The spokesperson said that they were hopeful to open a replacement branch “as soon as possible”, although this process can last around six months. 

A smaller Post Office branch remains open on Woodburn Terrace, which offers pre-paid parcel drop-off and collection services.  

The affected Post Office is being listed on runapostoffice.co.uk, the official recruitment website for those interested in running Post Office branches. On the site, notes of interest are being accepted until 29 September, 2026. 

Private equity firm Modella Capital acquired WH Smith in June 2025 for £76m. This followed an announcement in March of the same year. 

Following the acquisition, the firm rebranded the chain under the name TG Jones. However, travel stores at train stations and airports were excluded from the deal and retain the legacy brand name. 

Modella’s restructuring plan won approval at the High Court in July 2026. The firm cited a long-term decline in sales, historic underinvestment in branches, and a challenging retail market as reasons for their restructuring.

Also included in the restructuring plan is debt write-offs and reductions in rent for landlords. 

Photograph by Alden Arnold