When Did Wh Smith Become Tg Jones

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell, a story that'll make you question your stationery loyalties. It's the epic saga of how W.H. Smith transformed into T.G. Green. Now, don't go rolling your eyes, this isn't some boring history lesson. We're talking about a journey that's more dramatic than a soap opera, more surprising than a sudden downpour on a picnic.

Once Upon a Time in the High Street

Picture this: Victorian England, 1845. A young Henry Walton Smith, armed with nothing but a dream and a cart full of books, starts peddling his wares on the streets of London. He's not your average door-to-door salesman, no sir. He's a pioneer, a trailblazer, the original stationery superhero. He sets up shop, and W.H. Smith is born.

Now, fast forward a century and a half. The world's changed, but W.H. Smith's still standing, a high street staple. They've got their fingers in every pie - books, newspapers, magazines, even sandwiches. They're the Swiss Army knife of retail. But here's where things get interesting.

Enter the Dragon (or rather, the Dragon's Breath)

In the 1960s, W.H. Smith decides it's time for a change. They've been serving up news and novels, but they've got their eye on something new. They want to add a dash of colour, a sprinkle of pattern, a touch of... ceramic.

Enter T.G. Green, a name that's been synonymous with quality ceramics since 1864. They've been making tableware so fine, even the Queen herself has had a set. But they've been struggling, like a teacup without a saucer. W.H. Smith sees an opportunity, and they're not about to let it slip through their fingers.

WHSmith in Stamford High Street rebranded TG Jones

From News to Teacups

In 1968, W.H. Smith acquires T.G. Green. It's like a bookworm suddenly discovering a passion for pottery. But they're not just dipping their toes in the water, no sir. They dive right in, headfirst. They start churning out teapots and plates, vases and mugs, all with that distinctive T.G. Green pattern.

And here's where things get really crazy. W.H. Smith doesn't just want to sell T.G. Green's wares, oh no. They want to be T.G. Green. So, in 1984, they change the name of their retail division to... wait for it... T.G. Green.

I know, right? It's like if your local newsagent suddenly decided to rename themselves 'The Royal Doulton'. But that's exactly what happened. And you know what? It worked. People loved their T.G. Green teaware, and now they could get it from their friendly neighbourhood newsagent.

WHSmith name rebranded to TGJones for Corby Willow Place shoppers

But Wait, There's More!

But here's where our story takes a twist. In 2007, W.H. Smith decides to sell off the T.G. Green brand. They've had a good run, but they're ready to move on. The brand is snapped up by a company called Portmeirion, who promise to keep the T.G. Green legacy alive.

And so, our tale comes full circle. W.H. Smith, the newsagent who wanted to be a potter, is back to being just W.H. Smith. But they've left their mark on the world, like a teacup ring on a wooden table. And as for T.G. Green? They're still going strong, their distinctive patterns gracing tables all over the world. And who knows? Maybe one day, they'll find their way back onto the high street, under the watchful eye of their old friend, W.H. Smith.

And there you have it, folks. The incredible, the unbelievable, the downright bonkers story of how W.H. Smith became T.G. Green. It's a tale of ambition, adaptation, and a whole lot of tea. So next time you're in your local newsagent, picking up the latest bestseller, remember - you're standing in the shadow of a teapot.