A decision by TG Jones, formerly known as WH Smith, to close more of its High Street stores across the country has been expected for some time, and today I have received notification the TG Jones in the Baytree Centre in Brentwood will be one of those closing:
"You may have seen recently that the High Court has approved TG Jones’ Restructuring Plan. Following this, I wanted to write to you personally regarding the next steps for our business. The Court’s decision allows us to move ahead with our turnaround strategy, which is designed to create a stronger, more sustainable business for the long term.
Like many retailers operating on the UK high street, we have endured a period of challenging trading conditions: weak consumer spending, cost-of-living pressures, and rising operating costs have left the business loss-making. While the plan protects the majority of our store estate, it also requires us to take some difficult decisions. I regret to inform you that our Brentwood store, in your constituency, has been confirmed for closure. We expect closing down sales to begin shortly, with the store to cease trading on 9 January 2027. We are supporting affected colleagues throughout this process, including assistance in finding new employment opportunities. These decisions follow a detailed review of store performance and long-term sustainability, and they have not been taken lightly.
As you may be aware, the Brentwood store includes a Post Office branch. Our relationship with the Post Office remains important and we are working closely with the Post Office to support colleagues and communities affected by these changes. We recognise the importance of this service to the local community."
Our main Brentwood Post Office is located in TG Jones, so moves are already underway by Post Office Limited to find a new location for this Post Office. This is from Post Office Limited today:
"As you will be aware from my previous updates TG Jones are undertaking a restructuring programme aimed at stabilising their business. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a number of store closures and TG Jones have notified us that their Brentwood store will be closing. As a consequence, the Post Office operating from the store will also need to close. The closing date for the Post Office is still to be confirmed but is likely to be early next year in 2027.
We understand this will be a concern for your constituents, and we remain committed to restoring a replacement branch for the area. As you know we have already taken proactive steps to invite expressions of interest in an application and we are pleased to confirm that we have received some interest. We will shortly be reviewing the details of those who have registered interest, with a view to drawing up a shortlist of potential applicants.
We apologise to our customers who may need to travel further to access services when the branch closes. We will confirm the closing date and the alternative branch details with our customers in branch when the details are confirmed and we will also write to the elected Councillors for the area. Alternative branch information is available on our website Branch Finder | Post Office and the nearest branches in the area are listed below.
Warley Hill Post Office ( 0.7 miles)
Ongar Road Post Office (0.8 miles)"
Thanks to Brentwood Borough Council for making their position clear on TG Jones in Brentwood. I am in touch with the Post Office, which is based in TG Jones, about the future of its services and will work with the Post Office and the Council to make sure we have a High Street Post Office service available.
"We're aware of a rumour circulating on social media about the TG Jones shop inside the Baytree Centre.
What's true:
-The Baytree Centre is being redeveloped.
What's not true:
-TG Jones are leaving due to the redevelopment: We have not received any formal notice that TG Jones is leaving and have not asked them to leave. TG Jones have made recent press announcements that they are closing 150 stores across the country.
-The Post Office is leaving due to the redevelopment: The Post Office is a subtenant of TG Jones. If TG Jones is leaving the Baytree Centre, we will work with the Post Office to keep them local and within the High Street.
This rumour affects staff who work at TG Jones. If the shop is closing, we would hope that the company is supporting and talking to its staff about future plans.
In comments, please be kind and remember that there are real people who may be worried about their jobs."
Please don't be taken in by disingenuous rumour and scaremongering about TG Jones decision to close its store in Brentwood. I am arranging a meeting with Post Office Limited to discuss the implications of today's news and will provide further updates as I have them
