More than a third of Post Office branches operating within TGJones stores are set to close by early 2027, raising concerns over access to essential services across the UK.

Post Office records show 36 branches within the former WHSmith high street estate have already closed this year, with a further 34 expected to shut.

The closures form part of TGJones’ wider restructuring programme, under which up to 150 of its approximately 450 stores are expected to close.

TGJones was acquired from WHSmith by private equity firm Modella Capital last year in a deal that saw the high street business rebranded. The retailer subsequently secured creditor approval for a restructuring plan designed to reduce its store estate and create a more sustainable business.

The latest closures mean 70 Post Office branches located within TGJones stores are affected. Several towns and cities are set to lose multiple branches, including Stevenage, Bracknell, Orpington, Hull and York.

Telford is also due to lose its last remaining Post Office when its TGJones branch closes in January.

The heavily impacted areas include Essex, the West Midlands, Wales, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. Six Post Office branches within TGJones stores are closing in Essex, while five are set to shut in the West Midlands and four in Wales.

The Post Office said it recognised the “challenging trading conditions” facing TGJones and other high street retailers.

It said it had sought expressions of interest from postmasters and partners willing to take over affected branches, adding that there was interest in every confirmed closure location.

In some areas, more than 40 applications have reportedly been received.

The Post Office said it was committed to replacing every branch within a TGJones store that closes and was working to progress applications “as quickly as possible”.

The closures highlight the wider pressure on retailers operating essential services from high street stores, as businesses balance declining footfall and rising costs against the role their estates play in supporting local communities.

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