ONE of the most recognisable brand names has come a step closer to being removed from York city centre.

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 18:02

By Kevin Glenton

WHSmith in Coney Street is one of the retailer’s stores set to be rebranded under the name TG Jones.

As reported in The Press, the news follows the sale of its UK high street chain to hobbycraft owner Modella Capital, in a £76million deal announced in March.

WHSmith’s high street operation counts for around 500 stores, from its beginnings around 230 years ago.

The store on Coney Street abandoned earlier rebranding plans after trialling a rebrand to WHS in December 2023 that some shoppers in the city described as 'bland'.

In a planning application put in front of City of York Council by WHSmith, the signage at the front of the Grade II listed Coney Street store would be replaced with ‘like for like’ TG Jones branded signage.

Planning documents submitted with the proposal said: “The existing blue aluminium WHSmith fascias will be replaced with blue aluminium TG Jones fascias with white acrylic lettering to match the style of the existing signs.

“Likewise the existing blue WHSmith projecting sign will be replaced like for like with a blue aluminium TG Jones sign with white vinyl lettering.

“None of the signage will be illuminated.

“All work will involve using the same materials, specifications and colours.

“These additions are very much keeping with the character of the area and will have very little impact on the surrounding properties.”

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