TG Jones to close Essex stores amid major restructuring

TG Jones is closing three stores in Essex—Basildon, Southend, and Maldon—as part of a major restructuring plan. The Basildon location is scheduled to close on September 21, followed by Southend on September 26 and Maldon on October 9. These closures will also result in the loss of Post Office branches in Basildon and Southend.

The restructuring, approved by the High Court in July, is part of a broader plan that could see approximately 150 store closures and affect hundreds of jobs. The company, which was previously known as WH Smith before being acquired by Modella Capital and rebranded, has been described by lawyers as ‘highly distressed’ due to an £8 million shortfall.

To stabilize the business, the plan includes a £15 million loan from Modella Capital, following a previous £10 million injection in April, as well as reduced rent payments for landlords.