Sadness as former WH Smith shop shuts in town
One shopper said the closure of the Regent Street store "marked a sad day for Swindon".
Sadness as former WH Smith shop shuts in town
TG Jones, formerly WH Smith, closed on 15 September
Shoppers have expressed sadness over the loss of a shop and the Post Office next to it on its last day of trading.
TG Jones, previously called WH Smith, had been a landmark on Regent Street in Swindon town centre for 50 years. After a final surge of last-minute customers on Tuesday, it shut its doors for good.
One shopper said the closure "marked a sad day for Swindon", while another said they were "surprise"d it was closing because it "often seemed busy".
TG Jones is shutting dozens of stores nationwide "to secure the long-term future" of the business. The Post Office said the nearest places for people to send letters and parcels would now be Commercial Road or Victoria Road.
TG Jones took over the WH Smith franchise in June 2025. Only a year later, the company said "challenging retail conditions" had left it with an £8m cash shortfall.
Jennifer and Stuart James said the closure was disappointing for people in the town
Jennifer and Stuart James came from Wroughton to visit TG Jones one last time.
They bought folders and books as their final purchases from the shop.
"I find it a very sad day for Swindon," said Jennifer. "Smiths has been here for a very long time.
"It's so convenient for everything you need. As I say, it's a sad day."
Another shopper, who did not want to be named, said: "It's been here since I was a child.
"I remember I got a little tin with a teddy bear on it. I've still got it at home."
Other people in the town said they were "surprise"d that it had to close.
"I thought it was quite a popular shop," said one.
Kris Talikowski said he hoped the Post Office could find another town centre location
Kris Talikowski, chairman of Old Town Business Association, told BBC Radio Wiltshire that Swindon losing major names including WH Smith, Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser had "created a difficult challenge" for the town.
"The reputation of an area like Swindon is based on how people view the town centre," he said.
A Post Office spokesperson said a vacancy had been advertised in the town centre.
The spokesperson said interested retailers were being checked for their "suitability".
"I am really keen that the Post Office service is found in another town centre location," Talikowski said.
"It is such a vital lifeline for residents."
TG Jones has been contacted for comment.