More Than a Third of TG Jones Post Offices Set to Close by Early 2027

More than a third of post offices operating inside TG Jones stores are set to close by early 2027, raising concerns about access to essential postal and banking services in towns and communities across the UK.

According to Post Office records analysed by The Guardian, 36 branches within the high street retailer had closed during 2026, with a further 34 expected to shut by early 2027. Before its restructuring, TG Jones operated 180 post offices.

The chain, formerly known for its high street stores under the WH Smith brand, was acquired and renamed by Modella last year. The restructuring follows financial difficulties affecting the retailer and plans to close a significant number of its shops.

The closures have prompted concerns that some communities could lose convenient access to services used by residents, local businesses and people who rely on face-to-face assistance.

Several locations are expected to lose more than one post office over a relatively short period. Stevenage in Hertfordshire, Bracknell in Berkshire and Orpington in Greater London are among the areas facing two closures. Hull and York are also expected to lose two branches each.

Telford is due to lose its last post office in January, according to the report.

Some regions have been particularly affected, including Essex, the West Midlands, Wales, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Six branches in TG Jones stores across Essex are due to close, including sites in Clacton-on-Sea and Brentwood in January, following earlier closures in Basildon, Southend-on-Sea, Harlow and East Ham.

The losses add to wider changes across the high street. Earlier in 2026, the planned closure of 52 post offices within Morrisons Daily convenience stores was also announced.

Post offices provide services beyond sending letters and parcels. They can support personal banking, cash withdrawals and deposits, bill payments and day-to-day transactions for small businesses.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has warned that the closures could leave some communities as “postal deserts”, where access to a nearby branch becomes increasingly difficult.

Mole Meade, a senior member of the union, criticised what the organisation sees as a continuing reduction in the postal network and called for greater protection of services relied upon by local communities.

The Post Office has previously highlighted the importance of its network to small and medium-sized businesses. In evidence submitted to a parliamentary inquiry into revitalising high streets, the organisation said almost a third of such businesses used their local branch at least weekly, while more than half used it at least monthly.

Losing a nearby branch could create additional travel, time and operating costs for businesses that depend on regular postal and banking services.

The Post Office says it is seeking new operators for locations affected by the TG Jones closures. It has reported interest from prospective postmasters and partners in taking over affected branches.

However, finding a replacement operator does not necessarily mean a branch will reopen immediately or in the same location.

According to the report, Stirling was the only location where a branch had reopened following a TG Jones closure at the time of publication. A permanent replacement for Ipswich was expected to open in November, while temporary branches were planned for Maidenhead and Uxbridge.

The Post Office said it recognised the difficult trading conditions facing TG Jones and other high street retailers. It added that it was committed to replacing every branch inside a TG Jones store that closes and was working to progress applications.

The timing of replacements will be important for residents and businesses seeking to maintain access to local services.

The closures form part of a wider restructuring of TG Jones following Modella's acquisition of the business. Up to 150 of the 450 stores acquired by Modella are expected to close, with many closures already announced or completed.

The changes come after years of contraction in other face-to-face services, including bank branches. The Post Office has increasingly played a role in providing access to banking services, including through banking hubs that offer services for multiple financial institutions.

WH Smith's travel stores in railway stations, hospitals and airports were not included in the Modella deal and remain under the ownership of the retailer's original listed parent company.

As more high street locations close, the availability of replacement post offices will be a key issue for affected communities. The challenge will be to ensure that residents and local businesses can continue to access essential services without facing significant additional barriers.