Revealed: owner of former WH Smith stores is charging fee to use fictitious ‘family’ brand

Modella Capital, owner of former WH Smith stores, is charging a fee to use the 'TG Jones' brand and has been owed £2.9m in royalty fees. The company blames weak consumer spending and a forced name change for negatively impacting its business. Modella Capital may shut 150 of its 450 shops as part of a restructuring plan.