Updated: 26th March 2026 (Offers and availability may change)
You’ve probably seen TG Jones and assumed it’s just WHSmith with a different name, and to be fair, at first glance it does look that way.
It sells the same kind of things, has a very similar feel, and nothing immediately jumps out as being all that different, so it’s easy to just move on without thinking much more about it.
But once you actually look at the book deals, it becomes clear it’s not quite the same as it used to be. There are a lot more half price titles than you’d expect, including popular books and newer releases, and some of the prices are genuinely better than what you’ll find elsewhere.
A quick answer to “is TG Jones just WHSmith?”
Is TG Jones WHSmith?
It used to be part of WHSmith, but the high street stores now operate under a separate brand and ownership.Is TG Jones legit?
Yes, it’s an established retailer with the same background as WHSmith rather than something new or unknown.Is it worth buying online from TG Jones?
It can be, particularly for books, where some of the offers are better than people expect.
What TG Jones actually is (and why it feels familiar)
The easiest way to understand it is that the high street part of WHSmith has been separated and rebranded as TG Jones, while WHSmith itself focuses on its travel shops in airports and stations.
So this isn’t a brand-new retailer, and it isn’t unrelated either. It’s the same type of shop, just operating under a different structure, which gives it a bit more flexibility in how it promotes products and highlights offers.
Half price books are where TG Jones actually stands out
TG Jones have a strong focus on half price books, and importantly, these aren’t just older or less popular titles being cleared out. A lot of them are books people already recognise, including bestsellers and recently talked-about releases.
Half Price Books – Popular Titles at Up to 50% Off
With these half price offers, you can end up paying noticeably less than you would on Amazon or even somewhere like Waterstones. Not all items are half price, and the deals rotate, but there's hundreds of items at half price, so they're always worth a look!
How TG Jones compares to other stores
Amazon is where most people go first, mainly because it offers almost everything. The downside is that you often end up comparing far more than you intended. You check different editions, read reviews, look at alternatives, and what should have been a quick decision turns into something that takes longer than expected.
A shop like Waterstones sits at the other end, where the focus is more on curated selections and browsing at a slower pace, but with fewer aggressive discounts.
TG Jones sits somewhere in between. You’re not given endless options, but you’re not left browsing aimlessly either. Instead, you’re shown a smaller number of choices, often tied to clear offers, which makes it easier to land on something without overthinking it.
| What you care about | TG Jones | Amazon | Waterstones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choice | More limited | Huge | Curated |
| Book pricing | Often cheaper in offers | Standard pricing | Less discount-focused |
| Ease of choosing | Simple | Can take longer | Slower browsing |
| Overall feel | Straightforward | Overwhelming at times | More traditional |
One area people don’t expect
Another section that tends to go unnoticed is the signed and special edition books. These aren’t always heavily promoted, but when they do appear in sales, the pricing can be surprisingly good for something that feels a bit more premium.
Signed & Special Edition Books – Premium Titles at Reduced Prices
Is it actually worth buying books from TG Jones?
Yes, especially if you care about getting a good deal rather than hunting for one specific title.
The half price section is the main reason to check it. You’re not just seeing random or older books, you’ll regularly find bestsellers, popular authors, and newer releases included. That’s what makes it different. You can often pick up books for around £5 to £12 that would normally be closer to £10 to £25 elsewhere.
If you’re buying more than one book, the savings quickly add up. It’s very easy to end up getting two or three books for the price you’d normally expect to pay for one.
If you already know exactly what book you want, you’ll probably still check Amazon. But if you’re just browsing and want something at a good price, TG Jones is well worth a look.
FAQs about TG Jones
Is TG Jones WHSmith?
TG Jones comes from the same business as WHSmith, but the high street stores now operate under a separate brand and ownership, so while they feel similar, they are no longer the same company.
Is TG Jones legit?
Yes, TG Jones is a legitimate retail chain with an established background, as it is the rebranded high street arm of WHSmith rather than a new or unknown business.
Does TG Jones sell books?
Yes, books are one of the main things TG Jones focuses on, and this is also where many of their best offers tend to appear, particularly in their half price promotions.
Does TG Jones sell gift cards?
Yes, TG Jones sells gift cards along with the usual range of high street items like stationery and gifts, similar to what you would expect from WHSmith.
