THE former WH Smith stationers in Wellington was one of the busiest shops in the town centre over the festive season after its impending closure was announced.

The store, rebranded as TG Jones following the acquisition last year of the national chain’s high street premises by Modella Capital, was packed with shoppers looking for bargains.

The company has been offering a 75 per cent discount on all books and stationery ahead of its closure on Tuesday (January 6).

On Friday (January 2), customers at times had to wait outside until there was room for them to enter the store.

Modella has not engaged with the Wellington Weekly on the reasons for the closure just five months after the store was rebranded.

Shoppers have been packing the former WH Smith store in Wellington as it runs a clearance sale before closing on January 6.
Shoppers have been packing the former WH Smith store in Wellington as it runs a clearance sale before closing on January 6. (Tindle News)

But, it is understood the Wellington branch is the only one in the country being shut and that the company has been unable to negotiate a new lease with the owner of the Fore Street building.

Staff have been offered an opportunity to transfer to the Taunton branch of TG Jones.

A sign in the shop window thanked Wellington customers for their business over the years.

It read: “Unfortunately, this store will cease trading on January 6.

“We would like to thank you for your custom.”

Modella is believed to have paid £52 million to purchase the chain, although WH Smith retained its brand name and more than 1,000 other stores trading in airports, railway stations, and hospital sites, and internationally.