MYSTERY surrounds the future of a Worcester store after a High Street giant announced it would close 150 stores.
TG Jones , formerly known as WHSmith, revealed today (Wednesday) that it will close 150 stores as part of a restructuring plan.
The closures will be part of a turnaround strategy to rescue the business from insolvency.
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Worcester News contacted TG Jones on whether the Worcester and Droitwich branches will be included in the closures.
The company said it is not commenting on the future of individual stores.
The decision comes after approval from the High Court on July 1.
Alex Willson, CEO of TG Jones, said: “We welcome the court’s approval of our Restructuring Plan. This decision allows us to move ahead with our turnaround strategy.
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“The Plan protects the substantial core of the store estate and makes TG Jones a stronger, more sustainable business.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the colleagues, partners and stakeholders who engaged constructively throughout the process, and to Modella Capital for its continued financial commitment.”
The company currently operates more than 450 stores and employs around 4,700 people, mostly in the UK.
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TG Jones has not confirmed how many jobs will be lost as a result of the closures.
The plan includes a new £15 million loan from the company’s owners, Modella Capital, as well as rent reductions for landlords.
This support is intended to prevent an £8 million funding shortfall and potential insolvency.
Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026
It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.
Major high street brands LK Bennett , Claire’s , and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.
UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation.
Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:
It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.
It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.
Plus-size clothing brand Evans also returned to the UK high street recently after closing all its stores and concessions in December 2020.
