More than a third of post offices located inside TG Jones stores are scheduled to close by early 2027, according to Post Office records analyzed by The Guardian. The chain, formerly branded under WH Smith, has already closed 36 branches this year, with 34 additional closures planned through 2027. These post office closures raise concerns about postal deserts forming on UK high streets and in city centres.
The closures affect a significant portion of the post office counter network operated within TG Jones retail locations, which were rebranded from the former WH Smith identity. Post Office data cited by The Guardian indicates that the closures have already begun, with 36 branches shutting in the current year and another 34 expected to follow by early 2027.
KEY FACTS
- 36 post office branches inside TG Jones stores closed this year.
- 34 more branches set to close by early 2027.
- Affected branches are located within the chain formerly branded under WH Smith.
- Closures risk leaving towns and city centres as “postal deserts”.
- Data sourced from Post Office records analyzed by The Guardian.
What Happens Next?
The Post Office and TG Jones have not publicly detailed which specific branches will close, but the company says it is working to minimise disruption. The Post Office is responsible for overseeing the branch network and has previously stated its aim to maintain coverage in communities where possible. With 34 closures still pending, affected customers may need to travel further to reach alternative post office locations.
Industry analysts note that the trend reflects broader challenges facing UK high streets, where footfall and retail tenancy pressures have forced chains to reduce physical footprints. Post office closures often follow store consolidations, particularly when operators prioritise profitability over geographic spread. The Guardian reported that the closures stem from Post Office records it analysed independently.
Experts say the risk of postal deserts increases when clusters of branches close in proximity to one another. Residents in smaller towns and suburban areas are typically more vulnerable to service loss than those in densely populated urban cores. The Post Office has previously pledged to protect access in rural and semi-rural communities, though implementation often depends on commercial viability.
How Did We Get Here?
TG Jones operates a large network of retail stores across the UK, many of which previously operated under the WH Smith brand before the company restructured its identity in recent years. As part of that rebranding, the Post Office partnered with TG Jones to run counter services within thousands of stores. Post office closures have become more common across the UK as operators seek to balance costs with demand.
The data compiled by The Guardian reflects official Post Office records, which track branch openings and closures. A Post Office spokesperson told the newspaper in earlier reporting that closures are assessed on a case-by-case basis, weighing community need against financial sustainability. The company has committed to notifying affected customers in advance of any changes.
Post office closures have sparked political debate in recent years, with MPs raising concerns about access for elderly and disabled residents. Campaigners argue that digital alternatives cannot fully replace in-person postal services, particularly for parcel collection and benefit payments. However, officials note that maintaining unprofitable branches indefinitely is not feasible under current funding models.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- 36 post office branches inside TG Jones stores closed in 2026.
- 34 additional closures are scheduled by early 2027.
- The affected branches were previously branded under WH Smith.
- Post Office records formed the basis of The Guardian’s reporting.
Still unconfirmed:
- Exact list of branches slated for closure.
- Reasons behind each individual closure decision.
- Whether affected stores will offer alternative postal services.
- Comments from TG Jones or Post Office leadership on the closures.
Why It Matters
Post offices serve as vital community infrastructure, particularly in areas where internet access and banking options are limited. The loss of these branches can disproportionately impact older adults, small businesses, and residents who rely on in-person services for pensions, benefits, and parcel delivery.
For shoppers across participating regions, fewer post office locations mean longer journeys and potential service gaps. The issue ties into wider concerns about declining high-street viability and public-service accessibility across the UK.
What To Watch
Further details on which branches will close and whether affected communities will receive alternative postal services may be announced in coming months. Official statements from the Post Office or TG Jones would provide additional clarity.
Meta description: Over a third of TG Jones post offices will close by early 2027, raising fears of postal deserts on UK high streets, per The Guardian.