TG Jones Post Office Closures: 70 Branches to Shut by 2027 2026

The closure of more than a third of post offices within TG Jones stores will leave towns and even city centres as “postal deserts” by early 2027, according to Post Office records analysed by the Guardian. So far this year, 36 branches within the high street chain formerly known as WH Smith have already closed, and a further 34 are set to shut by early 2027.

TG Jones was bought and renamed by private equity group Modella last year. Before the restructure won approval from creditors in July, the chain operated 180 post offices, and it had been feared that as many as 60 could close. The actual number is higher.

Scale of the TG Jones Post Office Closures

Up to 150 of the 450 stores acquired by Modella are expected to shut. About 65 have already closed, and at least another 46 are to cease operating early next year. This total of 110 announced closures includes the 70 containing post offices.

The larger-than-expected wave follows an announcement in the summer that 52 post offices will close within Morrisons Daily convenience stores this year, some of which are close to the TG Jones sites. That move forms part of a wider plan by Morrisons to close 100 loss-making small stores.

The raft of closures means that towns such as Stevenage in Hertfordshire, Bracknell in Berkshire and Orpington in Greater London, and some smaller cities including Hull and York are each losing two post offices.

• 70 post offices within TG Jones stores are closing by early 2027.
• 36 closures have already taken place this year.
• 34 more are scheduled to shut by early 2027.
• 110 store closures announced in total, including 70 with post offices.
• Stevenage, Bracknell, Orpington, Hull and York are each losing two post offices.

Why the Closures Matter for Local Communities

Post offices provide essential services such as banking, bill payments, and postal services, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents. The loss of two post offices in a single town can force people to travel further, adding cost and inconvenience.

The term “postal desert” describes areas where access to postal services is severely limited. With both TG Jones and Morrisons closing branches, some communities may find themselves without a nearby post office for the first time.

The closures also affect the viability of the remaining TG Jones stores. Post offices often drive footfall, and their removal could accelerate the decline of the high street chain.

What This Means for TG Jones and Modella

Modella, the private equity group that acquired TG Jones, is restructuring the business to focus on profitability. The closure of loss-making stores is a common strategy, but the scale of these cuts has raised concerns about the chain's future.

The fact that 70 post offices are closing out of 180 suggests that the restructuring is deeper than initially expected. It remains to be seen whether the remaining stores can operate profitably without the post office footfall.

Comparison of Post Office Closures

The combined effect of these closures will be felt across the country, particularly in areas where both chains have a presence.

What to Watch Next

Residents in affected areas should check the Post Office's branch finder for alternative locations. Local councils may also need to consider how to support affected communities, especially those with limited transport options.

The government has been urged to intervene to prevent the creation of postal deserts. However, with private equity owners focused on returns, further closures cannot be ruled out.

For those interested in how criminal networks exploit gaps in postal services, our investigation into how organised crime launders money through post offices reveals the risks when oversight weakens.

The closure of post offices also has implications for financial inclusion, as many residents rely on them for banking services. This trend is part of a broader shift in the retail banking landscape, which we explore in our analysis of financial crime and post office networks.

As high street chains restructure, the impact on local economies can be severe. The loss of footfall can affect nearby businesses, a phenomenon we examined in our report on the unintended consequences of post office closures.

For communities already facing limited access to services, the closure of post offices can be a tipping point. Our article on protecting vulnerable consumers from financial exploitation discusses how criminals target areas with reduced oversight.

Finally, the role of private equity in shaping high streets is under scrutiny. The sale of TG Jones to Modella is a case study in how financial restructuring can affect public services. The background to this story is set out in Mercadona to Roll Out Bizum Pay Checkout Across Spain.