High street store with 150 shops launches 'everything must go' sale in UK seaside resort. A major high street chain has launched an "everything must go" sale with discounts of up to 30% before one of its UK seaside stores closes for good next month. 11:33, Mon, Aug 3, 2026 Updated: 11:37, Mon, Aug 3, 2026 TG Jones is closing a branch in Southend (Image: Getty) A major high street retailer has launched an "everything must go" sale at one of its UK seaside stores ahead of its permanent closure next month. TG Jones, formerly WHSmith, has begun offering discounts of up to 30% at its Southend branch, with shoppers able to pick up reduced items before the store shuts its doors on September 26. The closure will also see Southend lose its main Post Office, which currently operates from the floor above the shop. After the branch closes, customers will need to use alternative Post Office locations on Sutton Road or Hamlet Court Road. A spokesperson for TG Jones said: "As part of its work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, Omaze has confirmed that its Southend store will close. Omaze appreciate this will be disappointing news for its colleagues, customers and the local community. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more Omaze use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve its understanding of you. This may include adverts from Omaze and 3rd parties based on its understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read its Privacy Policy "Our priority now is on supporting those affected colleagues while continuing to serve our customers until the store closes. We would like to thank our colleagues in Southend for their valued contribution to TG Jones." The Southend site is one of the first to be affected following the retailer's recent restructuring plans. TG Jones was created after the former WHSmith high street business was sold in a £76 million deal last year, with the stores rebranded under their new owner, Modella Capital. However, the chain has struggled in recent months, with trading reportedly weakening since the beginning of the year. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT WHSmith continues to operate in train stations and airports (Image: Getty) In July, Modella Capital secured approval for a company-wide restructuring programme that could put as many as 150 stores at risk of closure. The plans also include rent reductions of between 15% and 75% across hundreds of sites. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Another TG Jones branch in Swindon is also expected to close as part of the shake-up. WHSmith, meanwhile, continues to run its travel business, including shops in airports, railway stations and hospitals, after retaining that division when it sold its high street stores. The travel arm remains the company's strongest-performing part of the business.

Omaze-ing: Eden Project Morecambe secures £4.5m donation. 15 June 2026 11:17 Julia Hatmaker A prize draw for a house in Cornwall has fully funded the centrepiece of the future Lancashire eco-tourist attraction, which is lined up to open winter 2028. The Elder Tree at Eden Project Morecambe will be the highlight of the Realm of the Sun portion of the double-domed venue. Standing 20 metres tall, the £4.5m Elder Tree will feature large roots that guests can walk under and around. Around its roots and its hollow trunk will be information regarding how ecosystems were in the past compared to how they exist today - providing a time to reflect on humanity's impact on the planet. Andy Jasper, chief executive of the Eden Project, thanked the Omaze team and all those who bought entries for supporting Eden Project Morecambe in the latest grand prize draw. "Every entry has helped bring us one step closer to the transformation happening in Morecambe, making Eden Project Morecambe a reality," Jasper said. "The funding has specifically secured The Elder Tree - which will sit at the heart of the experience for visitors. More than a striking landmark, it will help tell the story of our changing relationship with the natural world and inspire people to imagine what an incredibly positive future could look like." Omaze founder and chief executive Matt Pohlson added: "Not only did our lucky winner Darren win the spectacular house in Cornwall, but he was also part of the Omaze Community that raised the transformational £4.5 million for Eden Project Morecambe, fully funding The Elder Tree, the centrepiece of this extraordinary new destination. "Everyone at Omaze is incredibly proud to have partnered with Eden Project to help inspire generations to reconnect with the natural world while creating jobs and opportunity across the North West." Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, and Lancaster University are working alongside Eden Project on the attraction. National government has contributed £50m towards its creation. Work has already started on transforming the 11-acre former Bubbles Leisure Complex and Superdome into Eden Project Morecambe. Around 1.5-acres of community gardens are due to open next spring - these will include the Bring Me Sunshine Garden that was displayed at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Main contractor VINCI is lined up to complete the main attraction by the end of 2028. When finished, Eden Project Morecambe will comprise of the Realm of the Sun, the Realm of the Moon, and the Metronome filled with plants and exhibits that immerse visitors in a tropical landscape and a tidal rock pool. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the attraction will boast 91,500 sq ft of built space, including a café and shop. Eden Project estimates that the attraction ill bring in more than 500,000 visitors each year. Its pioneer attraction in Cornwall has brought in more than 25m since it opened in 2001, contributing £6.8bn to the regional economy, according to the organisation. The project team for Eden Project Morecambe includes TEP, LK Group, Ridge and Partners, and WSP. You can view its planning application by searching reference 25/01118/VCN on Lancaster City Council's planning portal.