Coventry WHSmith undergoes major change after company sold for £76m

WHSmith at West Orchards Shopping Centre has been renamed TGJones



A Coventry WHSmith has undergone a major change after the company was acquired for £76m. WHSmith at West Orchards Shopping Centre on Smithford Way has been renamed TGJones.

After struggling in recent years, WHSmith was sold to London-based Modella Capital, which recently acquired Hobbycraft. As part of the deal finalised in June, 480 UK stores will rebrand to TGJones.

Shoppers can expect the same range of products as they would at WHSmith, which is best known for stationery, books, games, and toys. Bosses say the opening hours for the Coventry store will remain the same following the rebrand.

As Modella Capital has officially taken over WHSmith, the website has rebranded, and all of the UK stores are listed on Google as TGJones. But WHSmith at Coventry Railway Station and University Hospital Coventry will remain as they are for the time being.

WHSmith was established in 1792 by Henry Walton Smith and his wife, Anna, in Little Grosvenor Street, London. When Henry and Anna died, their youngest son, William Henry Smith, took over the business, which he renamed WHSmith and Son in 1846.

Modella Capital specialises in investing in retailers and has previously invested in Paperchase and Tie Rack. It is unclear whether the TGJones name is based on a real person, but Modella said it was chosen to give the same 'family' feel as the venerable WHSmith brand.

Manager Ashley Jay-Tinkler said: “Seeing the new storefront being installed and putting on our TGJones uniforms for the first time has been a great moment! We are excited for what is ahead and ready to grow with the new brand and offer our customers an even better experience as TGJones.”

A spokesman for Coventry BID said: “Welcome to Coventry, TGJones. You may notice that WHSmith has had a rebrand, but do not worry, it has still got all your essential books, stationery, and more, just under a new name.”

I knew WH Smith was on the way out many years ago when I tried to buy replacement printer supplies in there without success and was told I should try online. Why bother visiting their shop in that case?