British stationery giant TGJones, formerly WHSmith, has announced it will shut a “vitally important” branch in just a matter of months. In a major blow to the people of Stirling, TGJones said its store in Thistles Shopping Centre in the city centre is set to close from July 11.
The closure also poses a threat to Stirling’s Post Office Service. Prior to the confirmed closure, The Thistles Centre told The Courier that discussions were being had regarding a lease renewal. However, just days later, the British retailer revealed that a renewal had not been agreed, meaning both the stationery shop and its Post Office, which operates from inside the store, will shut. A spokesperson for TGJones said: “We can confirm that we will be exiting our store in Stirling on 11th July.
“We have not been able to find an alternative location and are working with the Post Office as they seek a new partner for Stirling.”
Locals have been left reeling over news of the joint closure.
One commented: “A post office in Stirling city centre is essential!”
Another described the closure as a “disaster”.
However, according to The Courier, a new retailer has expressed interest in a lease with the Post Office and talks are ongoing.
TG Jones High Street Limited, trading as TGJones, is a British newsagent, stationer and book retailer. The retailer was formerly WHSmith’s high street and online businesses, which were sold to Modella Capital, the owner of Hobbycraft, for £76million in June 2025. Its name is not derived from an individual but was invented by its buyer to sound similar to “WHSmith” (named after William Henry Smith, who founded the business in 1792) and thereby continue the impression of a family business.
TGJones currently operates some 450 stores in the UK, but around 80 are at risk of closure following a period of weak trading, with restructuring plans underway.