Business · Wiltshire-wide
Malmesbury High Street store confirmed for January closure
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Shoppers in Malmesbury are campaigning to save a prominent High Street retailer after the store was confirmed for closure following a national corporate restructure.
A campaign has been launched by local residents to save a familiar store in Malmesbury High Street from impending closure. The shop, currently operating as TGJones at 42 High Street, is expected to cease trading on 9 January 2025.
The closure follows a wide-ranging restructuring plan implemented by the company owners, Modella Capital. The firm, which acquired the former WH Smith high street chain last year, is currently closing approximately 150 stores nationwide as part of a move to manage declining sales and rising operational costs. While the Malmesbury branch was not initially earmarked for closure, it has now been added to the list.
A petition has been established by local resident Ruth Strange, who highlighted the store's historic significance to the town, noting its origins as a sheet music shop before it became a fixture of the retail landscape as WH Smith. Ms Strange, a former shopkeeper's daughter, expressed concerns regarding the impact of the loss on the town's retail health. Supporters are currently urging for local intervention to preserve the branch, with the online petition gathering initial signatures from the community.
A spokesperson for TGJones confirmed the news, stating: "As we work to secure the long-term future of TGJones, we have confirmed that our Malmesbury shop will close. We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers and the community." The company stated that their primary focus remains on supporting staff members during the transition period.
The closure marks another departure from Malmesbury High Street, which has seen a shift in its business makeup over recent years. Several other long-standing establishments have either closed or relocated, including the former gift shop Spoilt for Choice, which shut earlier this year after 25 years of trading, and the betting shop Backhouse. While some units have been repurposed, such as the former Sport & Leisure shop which has been approved for a new nail salon, the loss of a major high street chain store remains a significant concern for the local community as they balance the need for traditional retail with changing consumer habits.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Malmesbury · View original