Poundland, TG Jones, and hospitality giant Whitbread are closing dozens of stores and venues across the UK this autumn due to lease negotiations and corporate restructuring, according to recent company announcements. The closures span multiple high streets and leisure spots, impacting national retail footprints and dining chains alike.
Poundland Closes Romford and Newton Abbot Branches
Discount retailer Poundland is closing two branches this autumn after failing to secure ongoing lease agreements, according to company statements. The upcoming closures follow the retailer shutting nearly 150 shops last year. Poundland explained that these changes form part of standard business-as-usual lease events expected within a large store network. The affected locations include the branch at The Brewery in Romford, which closes on September 14, and the Courtenay Street shop in Newton Abbot, scheduled to shut on October 10.
TG Jones Shuts 19 Branches Across the UK
Retailer TG Jones confirmed the closure of 19 branches in September following a corporate restructure announced earlier this summer that put around 150 stores at risk, according to company releases. The retailer, which previously replaced WHSmith at several sites, has launched closing-down sales offering shoppers up to 30% off remaining stock. The wave of closures began with Bath on September 1, followed by Redcar and Redhill on September 5, and Market Harborough and Uckfield on September 12.
Additional TG Jones closures scheduled for mid to late September include Cambridge on September 14, Swindon on September 15, Helston on September 16, and Deal on September 19. Basildon will close on September 21, Rustington on September 23, while Clevedon, Greenford, and Kenilworth are set to shut on September 26. The final September closures include Southend-on-Sea on September 26, Exmouth on September 28, and Frome on September 30.
Pro Tip: Finding Closing-Down Discounts
Shoppers looking to pick up discounted items at affected TG Jones locations can find up to 30% off during clearance sales, though stock availability varies significantly by branch.
Whitbread Cuts 106 Beefeater and 89 Brewers Fayre Sites
Whitbread is closing 106 Beefeater restaurants and 89 Brewers Fayre pubs this September as part of a five-year strategy to save £250 million, according to company announcements. The hospitality group, which also owns the Premier Inn hotel chain, is shifting its business model toward integrated dining options for hotel guests. Dominic Paul, Whitbread’s chief executive, stated, “We plan to convert all our remaining branded restaurants to an integrated food and beverage offer that is preferred by our hotel guests and will unlock the addition of more highly profitable extension rooms.”
Paul added regarding the company’s broader market strategy, “Our continued efforts to drive our commercial plan and efficiencies will extend our market-leading position and allow us to take share from our competitors, many of which are struggling to grow.” Affected Beefeater locations range from The Anchor in Lincolnshire and Badgers Sett in Worcestershire to local fixtures like London Woolwich and Whitley Bay in Northumberland. Brewers Fayre closures include sites such as Abergavenny, Barry Island, Derry City in Northern Ireland, and Newhaven Quay in Edinburgh.
Did you know? Whitbread’s sweeping restaurant closures are designed to free up space for highly profitable hotel room extensions across its Premier Inn portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Poundland and TG Jones closing stores?
Poundland closures stem from standard lease expirations where new terms could not be agreed upon, whereas TG Jones is executing a broader corporate restructure affecting roughly 150 stores.
Which hospitality brands are losing sites under Whitbread?
Whitbread is cutting 106 Beefeater restaurants and 89 Brewers Fayre pubs to reduce costs and convert remaining spaces for Premier Inn hotel extensions.
Are clearance sales available at closing stores?
Yes, TG Jones has launched closing-down sales offering shoppers up to 30% off remaining inventory across its shutting branches.
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