Former WH Smith closure "really disappointing" says Sheffield economy leader, as closing date confirmed
Business had operated at Fargate as WH Smith for over half a century
One of Sheffield Council’s top economic development officials today described his disappointment at the closure of one of the longest standing shops in the city centre.
TG Jones, which was previously WH Smith before a re-brand, has announced the closure of its shop on Fargate - the street which was traditionally the most prestigious shopping area in the city centre.
WH Smith had been on the site for over 50 years.
The company confirmed last night it would close for good on January 9 next year, and has placed closure notice posters on the front of its city centre store.
Councillor Ben Miskell, chairman of Sheffield Council’s Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee, said: “It’s really disappointing to see TG Jones close its doors as part of the 150 store closures announced nationally.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the shop workers, many of whom will have worked there for years and become familiar faces to shoppers.”
He said the council had not been contacted by the owner, Modella, but the authority stood ready to provide as much support as it could to the workers affected by this closure.
He added: “Changing retail behaviours are clearly leading to national changes in how people shop, and this is affecting high streets across the country.
“Whilst this will be of little consolation to those workers, more businesses continue to open in the city centre, and the data shows that we are bucking the trends facing many comparable cities. That’s because we’ve invested heavily in the city centre and have a plan to ensure it continues to thrive.”
Some have criticised the council in the past for making it harder for people to come into the city centre by car, with concerns raised over the amount of parking available, and its cost, as well as the rise in the number of bus gates, which have led to fines for motorists.
There’s also a clean air zone.
TG Jones was created when Modella Capital bought 480 high street WH Smith shops last year.
In July this year a court approved a restructuring plan in which landlords cut rents in return for Modella ploughing money into a turnaround and a share of future profits.
TG Jones said in a statement last night: "As we work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, we have confirmed that our Sheffield store 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 in Sheffield for their commitment and the contribution they have made to TG Jones."