Up to 150 former WHSmith high street stores to close

Up to 150 of the 480 former WHSmith high street stores rebranded as TGJones will close as part of a restructuring plan by owner Modella Capital. The private equity firm cited challenging retail conditions, rising operating costs, and the negative impact of the forced name change as reasons for the closures, which will put hundreds of jobs at risk. Modella Capital stated the restructuring is necessary to create a more sustainable business and said it is aiming to preserve as many jobs as possible, though some store closures and job losses are likely.