FORMER WH Smith stores in Somerset are to be re-branded after the chain was taken over.

Branches in Wells High Street, The Parade in Minehead, and The Bridge in Frome, are set to become TGJones stores – with plans submitted to Somerset Council for new signage on the properties.

It comes after WH Smith sold its shops to Hobbycraft owner, Modella Capital, in March for £76 million.

“The appearance of the property will not be diminished by the proposal; instead the proposal will retain and enhance the buildings look,” the application, by Blaze Business Signage Solutions, said of the Wells plan.

READ MORE: WH Smith to disappear from Somerset high streets after stores sold off

“The proposed advertisements consist of the following: one-off fascia sign and two-off projecting signs.

“The signs are in-keeping with the design of advertisements on adjacent premises, so they will not appear incongruent with the area’s visual amenity.

“The proposal does not alter the primary use of the building and only a suitable proportion of the building will be used to accommodate the proposed signage so they will not appear excessive or disrupt the appearance of the building.

“All the materials used to construct the proposed items are of an industry standard and recyclable nature, so the proposal will not be out of place amongst the other similarly attributed buildings that employ varied means of advertisement.”

For more details on the application, visit somerset.gov.uk and search reference 2025/0907/ADV. For details of the Minehead application, search application reference 3/21/25/029.

How the new signs in Minehead could look, if plans are approved. Picture: Blaze Signs/Somerset Council