Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial outlets >>>>>> than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, magazines >>>>>> and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like refugees from >>>> the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the œ76m they?ve >>> paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted in a
team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking over the
chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital has
asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that will put >> the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more sustainable >> footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures and job
losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a flurry of
retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership.
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around 480 are >> most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of scores more >> could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with landlords.
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure programme is
one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative measures >> including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement between the two >> sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly performing
shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year
presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its
previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening economic >> backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything that
you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing environment. The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport hub. Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were doing
and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening
economic environment.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial outlets >>>>>>> than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, magazines >>>>>>> and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like refugees from >>>>> the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the œ76m they?ve
paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted in a
team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking over the >>> chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital has
asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that will put >>> the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more sustainable >>> footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures and job
losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a flurry of >>> retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership.
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around 480 are >>> most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of scores more >>> could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with landlords. >>>
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure programme is >>> one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative measures >>> including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement between the two >>> sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly performing >>> shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year
presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its
previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening economic >>> backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything that
you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing environment. >> The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport hub.
Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were doing
and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening
economic environment.
Update:
WH Smith?s successor begins fight to stave off bankruptcy
TG Jones, the 500-shop high street retailer, expected to unveil plans for a raft of closures and demands for rent cuts ? or else be forced into administration
https://www.thetimes.com/article/b175f1b8-7fd8-490c-9277-91f9e05e0dee?shareToken=4beb5d39c48b36f8c33ebbf6d53216ef
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial outlets >>>>>>>> than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, magazines >>>>>>>> and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like refugees from
the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the œ76m they?ve
paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help >>>>
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted in a >>>> team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking over the >>>> chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital has >>>> asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that will put >>>> the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more sustainable >>>> footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures and job >>>> losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a flurry of >>>> retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership.
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around 480 are >>>> most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of scores more
could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with landlords. >>>>
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure programme is >>>> one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative measures
including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement between the two
sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly performing >>>> shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year
presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its
previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening economic
backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything that >>> you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing environment. >>> The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport hub.
Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were doing >>> and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening
economic environment.
Update:
WH Smith?s successor begins fight to stave off bankruptcy
TG Jones, the 500-shop high street retailer, expected to unveil plans for a >> raft of closures and demands for rent cuts ? or else be forced into
administration
https://www.thetimes.com/article/b175f1b8-7fd8-490c-9277-91f9e05e0dee?shareToken=4beb5d39c48b36f8c33ebbf6d53216ef
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. Times commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are there to strip?
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial outlets >>>>>>>>> than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, magazines >>>>>>>>> and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like refugees from
the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the œ76m they?ve
paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help >>>>>
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted in a >>>>> team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking over the >>>>> chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital has >>>>> asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that will put
the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more sustainable
footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures and job >>>>> losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a flurry of >>>>> retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership. >>>>>
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around 480 are
most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of scores more
could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with landlords. >>>>>
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure programme is >>>>> one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative measures
including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement between the two
sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly performing >>>>> shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year >>>>> presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its
previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening economic
backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything that >>>> you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing environment. >>>> The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport hub. >>>> Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were doing >>>> and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening
economic environment.
Update:
WH Smith?s successor begins fight to stave off bankruptcy
TG Jones, the 500-shop high street retailer, expected to unveil plans for a >>> raft of closures and demands for rent cuts ? or else be forced into
administration
https://www.thetimes.com/article/b175f1b8-7fd8-490c-9277-91f9e05e0dee?shareToken=4beb5d39c48b36f8c33ebbf6d53216ef
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. Times >> commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are
there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. Times >> commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are
there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought >WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:28:43 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. Times >>> commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are >>> there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought >> WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
For those of us who still buy physical magazines and newspaper WHS is a lifeline
On 26/04/2026 13:28, Recliner wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial outlets >>>>>>>>>> than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, magazines
and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like refugees from
the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the œ76m they?ve
paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help >>>>>>
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted in a >>>>>> team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking over the >>>>>> chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital has >>>>>> asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that will put
the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more sustainable
footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures and job >>>>>> losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a flurry of
retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership. >>>>>>
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around 480 are
most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of scores more
could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with landlords.
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure programme is >>>>>> one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative measures
including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement between the two
sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly performing
shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year >>>>>> presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its >>>>>> previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening economic
backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything that >>>>> you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing environment.
The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport hub. >>>>> Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were doing >>>>> and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening
economic environment.
Update:
WH Smith?s successor begins fight to stave off bankruptcy
TG Jones, the 500-shop high street retailer, expected to unveil plans for a
raft of closures and demands for rent cuts ? or else be forced into
administration
https://www.thetimes.com/article/b175f1b8-7fd8-490c-9277-91f9e05e0dee?shareToken=4beb5d39c48b36f8c33ebbf6d53216ef
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. Times >>> commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are >>> there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought >> WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
Agreed. I've never set foot in a TG Jones, not even to use their free >library facilities.
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:28:43 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. >Times
commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are >>>> there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have >thought
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
For those of us who still buy physical magazines and newspaper WHS is a >lifeline
But not enough to keep T G Jones in business it seems.
On 26/04/2026 13:28, Recliner wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial >>>>>>>>>> outlets
than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, >>>>>>>>>> magazines
and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented >>>>>>>>>> WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like
refugees from
the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the
œ76m they?ve
paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help >>>>>>
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted >>>>>> in a
team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking
over the
chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital >>>>>> has
asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that >>>>>> will put
the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more
sustainable
footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures
and job
losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a
flurry of
retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership. >>>>>>
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around >>>>>> 480 are
most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of
scores more
could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with
landlords.
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure
programme is
one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative >>>>>> measures
including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement
between the two
sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly
performing
shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year >>>>>> presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its >>>>>> previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening >>>>>> economic
backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything >>>>> that
you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing
environment.
The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport
hub.
Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were >>>>> doing
and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening
economic environment.
Update:
WH Smith?s successor begins fight to stave off bankruptcy
TG Jones, the 500-shop high street retailer, expected to unveil
plans for a
raft of closures and demands for rent cuts ? or else be forced into
administration
https://www.thetimes.com/article/b175f1b8-7fd8-490c-9277-91f9e05e0dee?shareToken=4beb5d39c48b36f8c33ebbf6d53216ef
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea.
Times
commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets
are
there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have
thought
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
Agreed.ÿ I've never set foot in a TG Jones, not even to use their free library facilities.
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:41:27 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:28:43 GMTTimes
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea.
thoughtcommentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are >>>>> there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have
lifelineWHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
For those of us who still buy physical magazines and newspaper WHS is a
But not enough to keep T G Jones in business it seems.
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, cards
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage just
selling books.
On 26/04/2026 14:34, Certes wrote:
On 26/04/2026 13:28, Recliner wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial >>>>>>>>>>> outlets
than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, >>>>>>>>>>> magazines
and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented >>>>>>>>>>> WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like >>>>>>>>> refugees from
the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the >>>>>>>> œ76m they?ve
paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help >>>>>>>
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted >>>>>>> in a
team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking >>>>>>> over the
chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital >>>>>>> has
asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that >>>>>>> will put
the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more
sustainable
footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures >>>>>>> and job
losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a >>>>>>> flurry of
retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership. >>>>>>>
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around >>>>>>> 480 are
most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of >>>>>>> scores more
could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with
landlords.
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure
programme is
one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative >>>>>>> measures
including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement
between the two
sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly
performing
shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year >>>>>>> presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its >>>>>>> previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening >>>>>>> economic
backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything >>>>>> that
you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing
environment.
The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport >>>>>> hub.
Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were >>>>>> doing
and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening >>>>>> economic environment.
Update:
WH Smith?s successor begins fight to stave off bankruptcy
TG Jones, the 500-shop high street retailer, expected to unveil
plans for a
raft of closures and demands for rent cuts ? or else be forced into
administration
https://www.thetimes.com/article/b175f1b8-7fd8-490c-9277-91f9e05e0dee?shareToken=4beb5d39c48b36f8c33ebbf6d53216ef
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea.
Times
commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets >>>> are
there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have
thought
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
Agreed.ÿ I've never set foot in a TG Jones, not even to use their free
library facilities.
Quite a few host Post Offices.
Tweed wrote:
most people can get all of that elsewhere at much lower prices.
Cards:
Who does cards any more? I've certainly run out of older relatives who
sent them (and expected them in return).
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:41:27 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:28:43 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. >>Times
commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are >>>>> there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have >>thought
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
For those of us who still buy physical magazines and newspaper WHS is a >>lifeline
But not enough to keep T G Jones in business it seems.
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, cards >and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage just
selling books.
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:28:43 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. Times >>> commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are >>> there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought >> WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
For those of us who still buy physical magazines and newspaper WHS is a lifeline
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:41:27 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:28:43 GMTTimes
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea.
thoughtcommentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are >>>>> there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have
lifelineWHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
For those of us who still buy physical magazines and newspaper WHS is a
But not enough to keep T G Jones in business it seems.
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, cards
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage just
selling books.
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, >cardsBecause most people can get all of that elsewhere at much lower prices. >Cards: Card Factory, your local supermarket or garden centre
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage >just
selling books.
School stationery: Supermarket, Rymans, Home Bargains, B&M etc
Magazines: my local Tesco has a large selection
And Amazon for most of the above other than magazines. Readly for many >magazines online. Subscription for those that want a particular magazine on
a regular basis.
Even before they sold the stores WHS became customer unfriendly arranging
the stores that you had to use the self checkout machines if you wanted to >leave anytime soon and if you insisted on using the staffed one the >unfortunate operator had to ask you if wanted a 2 for 1 offer for chocolate >every bloody time.
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, >cardsThe branch in our ?2nd? shopping town 10 miles away also contains a coffee
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage >just
selling books.
shop with snacks and has a children?s play area. So parents can meet others >there , look at a few books and keep an eye on their children. Often while >the other partner is shopping in the nearby Waitrose.
You can even take the dog in with you.
Tweed wrote:
nib wrote:
Don't know whether the drivers like it but they don't complain.
I asked one, who was working with Uber. He liked it because he
always got paid and nobody did a runner.
That'll be because until you've paid, the Uber isn't on its way ...
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:22:38 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit,cards
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage >> justBecause most people can get all of that elsewhere at much lower prices.
selling books.
Cards: Card Factory, your local supermarket or garden centre
School stationery: Supermarket, Rymans, Home Bargains, B&M etc
Magazines: my local Tesco has a large selection
And Amazon for most of the above other than magazines. Readly for many
magazines online. Subscription for those that want a particular magazine on >> a regular basis.
Except not everyone wants to pay for the same magazine every month or even every
week (eg Autocar). I just buy various mags occasionally and unfortunately supermarkets tend to stock mostly women and kids mags with maybe the odd
car mag and thats about it. If you want a railway, hifi, electronics, science magazine you can forget about it.
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:22:38 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, >>> cardsBecause most people can get all of that elsewhere at much lower prices. >>> Cards: Card Factory, your local supermarket or garden centre
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage >>> just
selling books.
School stationery: Supermarket, Rymans, Home Bargains, B&M etc
Magazines: my local Tesco has a large selection
And Amazon for most of the above other than magazines. Readly for many
magazines online. Subscription for those that want a particular magazine on >>> a regular basis.
Except not everyone wants to pay for the same magazine every month or even >every
week (eg Autocar). I just buy various mags occasionally and unfortunately
supermarkets tend to stock mostly women and kids mags with maybe the odd
car mag and thats about it. If you want a railway, hifi, electronics, science
magazine you can forget about it.There?s not enough magazine reader people like you to keep the enterprise >alive.
Uber is incredibly inflexible.
They are what they are, always worth checking what the app quotes.
Sometimes you catch it just right and get a bargain longish-distance
fare. Other times you can see there are half a dozen cars circling the >shopping centre car park you're stood in, but if you book the
"marginally cheaper/slower option" you'll be in for a long wait.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:55:29 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:22:38 -0000 (UTC)There?s not enough magazine reader people like you to keep the enterprise >>alive.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, >>>> cardsjust
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage
selling books.Because most people can get all of that elsewhere at much lower prices. >>>> Cards: Card Factory, your local supermarket or garden centre
School stationery: Supermarket, Rymans, Home Bargains, B&M etc
Magazines: my local Tesco has a large selection
And Amazon for most of the above other than magazines. Readly for many >>>> magazines online. Subscription for those that want a particular magazine on
a regular basis.
Except not everyone wants to pay for the same magazine every month or even >>every
week (eg Autocar). I just buy various mags occasionally and unfortunately >>> supermarkets tend to stock mostly women and kids mags with maybe the odd >>> car mag and thats about it. If you want a railway, hifi, electronics, science
magazine you can forget about it.
Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually >the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:22:12 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually >>the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
A lot of those (tech) magazines and all newspapers covered stuff that is now >available much sooner, and either cheaper
or free, on the Internet. That's what killed their business model.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:02:43 +0100
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:22:12 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote: >>>Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually >>>the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
A lot of those (tech) magazines and all newspapers covered stuff that is now >>available much sooner, and either cheaper
or free, on the Internet. That's what killed their business model.
Except its rarely as in depth online, is often scattered about and reading >large amounts of text from a screen, particularly a small tablet or phone for an
y
length of time is tedious and unpleasent.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:06:01 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:02:43 +0100
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:22:12 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote: >>>>Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually >>>>the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
A lot of those (tech) magazines and all newspapers covered stuff that is now >>>available much sooner, and either cheaper
or free, on the Internet. That's what killed their business model.
Except its rarely as in depth online, is often scattered about and reading >>large amounts of text from a screen, particularly a small tablet or phone for >an
y
length of time is tedious and unpleasent.
I find my iPad Pro 11" screen pretty good. One feature is that you can usually >change the text size, which is an
advantage with ageing eyes!
I certainly prefer reading broadsheet newspapers on my iPad rather than on >inky newsprint. You also have things like a
search function, embedded videos, the ability to recall previous editions, etc.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:22:12 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:55:29 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:22:38 -0000 (UTC)There?s not enough magazine reader people like you to keep the enterprise >>> alive.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
I do find it a bit odd they can't make money given they sell school kit, >>>>> cardsjust
and books as well as the magazines and papers. Waterstones seems to manage
selling books.Because most people can get all of that elsewhere at much lower prices. >>>>> Cards: Card Factory, your local supermarket or garden centre
School stationery: Supermarket, Rymans, Home Bargains, B&M etc
Magazines: my local Tesco has a large selection
And Amazon for most of the above other than magazines. Readly for many >>>>> magazines online. Subscription for those that want a particular magazine on
a regular basis.
Except not everyone wants to pay for the same magazine every month or even >>> every
week (eg Autocar). I just buy various mags occasionally and unfortunately >>>> supermarkets tend to stock mostly women and kids mags with maybe the odd >>>> car mag and thats about it. If you want a railway, hifi, electronics, science
magazine you can forget about it.
Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually >> the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
A lot of those (tech) magazines and all newspapers covered stuff that is
now available much sooner, and either cheaper
or free, on the Internet. That's what killed their business model.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:02:43 +0100
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:22:12 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote: >>>Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually >>>the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
A lot of those (tech) magazines and all newspapers covered stuff that is now >>available much sooner, and either cheaper
or free, on the Internet. That's what killed their business model.
Except its rarely as in depth online, is often scattered about and reading >large amounts of text from a screen, particularly a small tablet or phone for an
y
length of time is tedious and unpleasent.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:06:01 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe
wrote:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:02:43 +0100OTOH there is a lot of information out on the internet which would
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:22:12 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote: >>>>Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually >>>>the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
A lot of those (tech) magazines and all newspapers covered stuff that is now >>>available much sooner, and either cheaper
or free, on the Internet. That's what killed their business model.
Except its rarely as in depth online, is often scattered about and reading >>large amounts of text from a screen, particularly a small tablet or phone for >an
y
length of time is tedious and unpleasent.
either not reach current publications or be hard to locate in printed
form without Google etc.
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:56:43 +0100
Charles Ellson <charlesellson@btinternet.com> gabbled:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:06:01 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe
wrote:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:02:43 +0100an
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
On Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:22:12 -0000 (UTC), boltar@caprica.universe wrote: >>>>>Its a vicious circle - newsagents close, circulation goes down. Eventually
the magazines and newspapers go bust too. Rinse and repeat.
A lot of those (tech) magazines and all newspapers covered stuff that is now
available much sooner, and either cheaper
or free, on the Internet. That's what killed their business model.
Except its rarely as in depth online, is often scattered about and reading >>>large amounts of text from a screen, particularly a small tablet or phone for
yOTOH there is a lot of information out on the internet which would
length of time is tedious and unpleasent.
either not reach current publications or be hard to locate in printed
form without Google etc.
No doubt. But its a lot easier just to open a page and read rather than
spend half and hour in a browser.
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2025 16:41:49 -0000 (UTC)
Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> gabbled:
Graeme Wall <rail@greywall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
And why pick just one sector, there are many more commercial outlets >>>>>>>>> than just catering. Even under BR (and before), newspapers, magazines
and books were sold by a commercial company, the late lamented WH Smiths.
WHS still alive and kicking, just died on the high street.
It didn't die, it was executed.
No, just some of the estate sold off and renamed as TG Jones.
If WHS management has invested in perhaps
tarting up their shops instead of leaving them looking like refugees from
the 90s they might have done better.
It?ll be interesting if the new owners can get a return on the œ76m they?ve
paid for the high street shops, sans brand.
Update:
Fears for former WH Smith?s high street shops as new owner seeks help >>>>>
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/03/02/fears-former-wh-smith-high-street-shops-owner-seeks-help/
The owners of WH Smith?s former high street empire have parachuted in a >>>>> team of corporate troubleshooters less than a year after taking over the >>>>> chain.
The Telegraph understands that private equity firm Modella Capital has >>>>> asked advisers at Teneo to come up with a restructuring plan that will put
the business ? now trading under the name TG Jones ? on a more sustainable
footing.
The move will prompt fears about another raft of store closures and job >>>>> losses at a time when the high street is already reeling from a flurry of >>>>> retail collapses, including several chains under Modella?s ownership. >>>>>
It is believed roughly 80 TG Jones stores out of a total of around 480 are
most at risk following a period of tough trading. The future of scores more
could be threatened if cheaper rent deals can?t be agreed with landlords. >>>>>
No final decisions have been made. Although a store closure programme is >>>>> one option on the table, Teneo is expected to evaluate alternative measures
including a request for financial support from WH Smith.
Modella?s room for manoeuvre is complicated by an agreement between the two
sides that effectively bans it from pulling the plug on poorly performing >>>>> shops for 12 months after its œ40m takeover.
WH Smith offloaded the business in June last year, ending a 230-year >>>>> presence on the British high street.
Retail industry sources said a chronic lack of investment under its
previous parent company, Rachel Reeves?s tax raids and a worsening economic
backdrop had combined to hit the TG Jones business.
Hardly a surprise. The high street ex-WHS shops don?t sell anything that >>>> you can?t get elsewhere much cheaper and in a less depressing environment. >>>> The ongoing WHS outlets do have a USP - convenience at a transport hub. >>>> Obviously the sellers of the high street stores knew what they were doing >>>> and the buyers did not. Nothing to do with tax raids or a worsening
economic environment.
Update:
WH Smith?s successor begins fight to stave off bankruptcy
TG Jones, the 500-shop high street retailer, expected to unveil plans for a >>> raft of closures and demands for rent cuts ? or else be forced into
administration
https://www.thetimes.com/article/b175f1b8-7fd8-490c-9277-91f9e05e0dee?shareToken=4beb5d39c48b36f8c33ebbf6d53216ef
I?m struggling to see why Modella ever thought this was a good idea. Times >> commentators have been moaning about asset stripping, but what assets are
there to strip?
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
I was baffled at the choice of name. T G Jones is not as euphonious as T J >Jones would have been. Check out the vowel sounds: ?ee? ?ee? ?oh?
just
doesn?t flow as well as ?ee? ?eh? ?oh?.
On Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:47:59 -0000 (UTC)
Sam Wilson <ukr@dummy.wislons.fastmail.co.uk> gabbled:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
I was baffled at the choice of name. T G Jones is not as euphonious as T J >> Jones would have been. Check out the vowel sounds: ?ee? ?ee? ?oh?
just
doesn?t flow as well as ?ee? ?eh? ?oh?.
The Jones obviously came from wanting to retain the commoan surname vibe
in the company name. TJ OTOH could be anything, the initials of the CEOs
cat for example.
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
The Jones obviously came from wanting to retain the commoan surname vibe
in the company name. TJ OTOH could be anything, the initials of the CEOs
cat for example.
With WHS, Henry Walton Smith was the actual founder. But, as you say, TG >Jones is an entirely invented name that was meant to sound vaguely
familiar. The change of name won?t have helped, but the high street
business WHS model was broken, regardless of brand. I?ve never stepped into
a TGJ shop, but don?t get the impression that the business model has been >re-thought.
On Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:02:39 GMT
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> gabbled:
<boltar@caprica.universe> wrote:
The Jones obviously came from wanting to retain the commoan surname vibe >>> in the company name. TJ OTOH could be anything, the initials of the CEOs >>> cat for example.
With WHS, Henry Walton Smith was the actual founder. But, as you say, TG >>Jones is an entirely invented name that was meant to sound vaguely >>familiar. The change of name won?t have helped, but the high street >>business WHS model was broken, regardless of brand. I?ve never stepped into >>a TGJ shop, but don?t get the impression that the business model has been >>re-thought.
Probably would have been cheaper for them to just license the WHSmith name >that go to the expense of physically rebranding all the shops.
But I agree,
absolutely nothing has changed in store other than the sign above the door >and on the till screens.
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought >> WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
I was baffled at the choice of name. T G Jones is not as euphonious as T J Jones would have been. Check out the vowel sounds: ?ee? ?ee? ?oh? just doesn?t flow as well as ?ee? ?eh? ?oh?.
On 28/04/2026 20:47, Sam Wilson wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought >>> WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
I was baffled at the choice of name. T G Jones is not as euphonious as T J >> Jones would have been. Check out the vowel sounds: ?ee? ?ee? ?oh? just
doesn?t flow as well as ?ee? ?eh? ?oh?.
When TJ Maxx opened in the UK, they had to change the name to TK Maxx >because someone already had a trademark on TJ <whatever> on the British >highstreet - Wonkypedia tells me it was TJ Hughes - so that may not have >been an option.
(If TJ/TK Maxx - who are as far as I know decently profitable - didn't
have lawyers up for that fight, I doubt rump Smiths is going to be any >braver.)
On Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:10:28 +0300, Clank <clank75@googlemail.com> wrote:
On 28/04/2026 20:47, Sam Wilson wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
I was baffled at the choice of name. T G Jones is not as euphonious as T J >>> Jones would have been. Check out the vowel sounds: ?ee? ?ee? ?oh? just
doesn?t flow as well as ?ee? ?eh? ?oh?.
When TJ Maxx opened in the UK, they had to change the name to TK Maxx
because someone already had a trademark on TJ <whatever> on the British
highstreet - Wonkypedia tells me it was TJ Hughes - so that may not have
been an option.
(If TJ/TK Maxx - who are as far as I know decently profitable - didn't
have lawyers up for that fight, I doubt rump Smiths is going to be any
braver.)
It hadn't occurred to me that 'TJ' in a name could be trademarked. I'm sure Modella would be careful not to pick a name
that wasn't available.
I can't help but wonder if the name wasn't inspired by the BBC series 'Alas Smith and Jones', or the US ABC series that
inspired the name, 'Alias Smith and Jones'. In the latter, Jones was 'Thaddeus Jones', so maybe that's where the 'T'
comes from? The G, of course, would have come from Griff [Rhys Jones].
So think of the new name as 'Thaddeus Griff Jones'.
Incidentally, the original actors who played Smith in both series are no longer with us.
I've always wondered how it was that Ryanair ended up with an IATA code
of "FR", when the more obvious "RY" would I think have been available
when they were founded (now used by Jianxi Air). ("RA" was already
taken by Nepal Airlines though.)
In message <10sv3b8$h5u9$1@dont-email.me>, at 11:19:52 on Thu, 30 Apr
2026, Clank <clank75@googlemail.com> remarked:
I've always wondered how it was that Ryanair ended up with an IATA code
of "FR", when the more obvious "RY" would I think have been available
when they were founded (now used by Jianxi Air). ("RA" was already
taken by Nepal Airlines though.)
Nobody seems to know. It's complicated because Ryanair isn't a member of IATA, meanwhile it's a child of Guiness Peat Aviation. So maybe they
might be using their IATA code (cf LNER still using "GR" inherited from GNER), except GPA apparently never had one.
Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
In message <10sv3b8$h5u9$1@dont-email.me>, at 11:19:52 on Thu, 30 Apr
2026, Clank <clank75@googlemail.com> remarked:
I've always wondered how it was that Ryanair ended up with an IATA code >>> of "FR", when the more obvious "RY" would I think have been available
when they were founded (now used by Jianxi Air). ("RA" was already
taken by Nepal Airlines though.)
Nobody seems to know. It's complicated because Ryanair isn't a member of
IATA, meanwhile it's a child of Guiness Peat Aviation. So maybe they
might be using their IATA code (cf LNER still using "GR" inherited from
GNER), except GPA apparently never had one.
GPA was a leasing company, not an airline.
One suggestion is that it stands for Family Ryan.
Also, I wonder if the more obvious RY or RA codes were being reserved for some other airline in 1984?
Meanwhile, it?s ICAO code is RYR.
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Roland Perry <roland@perry.uk> wrote:
In message <10sv3b8$h5u9$1@dont-email.me>, at 11:19:52 on Thu, 30 Apr
2026, Clank <clank75@googlemail.com> remarked:
I've always wondered how it was that Ryanair ended up with an IATA code >>>> of "FR", when the more obvious "RY" would I think have been available >>>> when they were founded (now used by Jianxi Air). ("RA" was already
taken by Nepal Airlines though.)
Nobody seems to know. It's complicated because Ryanair isn't a member of >>> IATA, meanwhile it's a child of Guiness Peat Aviation. So maybe they
might be using their IATA code (cf LNER still using "GR" inherited from >>> GNER), except GPA apparently never had one.
GPA was a leasing company, not an airline.
One suggestion is that it stands for Family Ryan.
Also, I wonder if the more obvious RY or RA codes were being reserved for
some other airline in 1984?
Meanwhile, it?s ICAO code is RYR.
It?s, not it?s. Dratted misspelling chucker!
On Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:10:28 +0300, Clank <clank75@googlemail.com> wrote:
On 28/04/2026 20:47, Sam Wilson wrote:
Recliner <recliner.usenet@gmail.com> wrote:
Yes, I was baffled by the move at the time, and remain so. I?d have thought
WHS should have had to pay Modella to take the unloved, unwanted high
street stores off its hands.
I was baffled at the choice of name. T G Jones is not as euphonious as T J >>> Jones would have been. Check out the vowel sounds: ?ee? ?ee? ?oh? just
doesn?t flow as well as ?ee? ?eh? ?oh?.
When TJ Maxx opened in the UK, they had to change the name to TK Maxx >>because someone already had a trademark on TJ <whatever> on the British >>highstreet - Wonkypedia tells me it was TJ Hughes - so that may not have >>been an option.
(If TJ/TK Maxx - who are as far as I know decently profitable - didn't >>have lawyers up for that fight, I doubt rump Smiths is going to be any >>braver.)
It hadn't occurred to me that 'TJ' in a name could be trademarked.
I'm sure Modella would be careful not to pick a name
that wasn't available.
I can't help but wonder if the name wasn't inspired by the BBC series 'Alas Smith and Jones', or the US ABC series that
inspired the name, 'Alias Smith and Jones'. In the latter, Jones was 'Thaddeus Jones', so maybe that's where the 'T'
comes from? The G, of course, would have come from Griff [Rhys Jones].
So think of the new name as 'Thaddeus Griff Jones'.
Incidentally, the original actors who played Smith in both series are no longer with us.
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