West Sussex village to lose major high street retailer
A major brand is set to close its Lancing branch amid the company's restructuring plans.
TG Jones, in North Road, is ‘expected to close’ on September 26, according to the retailer.
The branch, which was previously a WH Smith store prior to a rebrand, has launched a closing down sale.
A TG Jones spokesperson said: "As we work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, we have confirmed that our Lancing store will close. We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers, and the local community.
"Our focus now is on supporting those affected and continuing to serve customers throughout the closure period.
"We would like to thank all of our colleagues for their commitment and the contribution they have made to TG Jones."
The company's restructuring plans were approved in the High Court by Mr Justice Hildyard in July and published on August 5.
Modella Capital acquired WH Smith's high street business in 2025, rebranding the stores as TG Jones. WH Smith retained the airport, railway station and service station shops, operating under the original name.
Since the rebranding, there has been a 12 per cent like-for-like reduction in sales, according to the High Court.
The approved restructuring plans will see the closure of some stores in a bid to avoid administration. It has been agreed that 302 of around 450 stores will keep trading.
Mr Justice Hildyard said: “The purpose of the plans is not only to deal with the immediate liquidity issues, but also to generate the investment required in order to sustain the business going forward.”
The retailer said customers can continue to shop at nearby TG Jones stores and online.