Category Archives: CTN (Confectioners, Newsagents, Tobacconists)

Smith & Jones: A Brief History of W. H. Smith’s High Street Shops

Posted on July 10, 2025 by buildingourpast

After months of anticipation, the process of changing the identity of W. H. Smith’s shops to ‘T. G. Jones’ is underway. The new fascia is yet to be installed on my own local high street, where W. H. Smith continues … Continue reading →

Posted in CTN (Confectioners, Newsagents, Tobacconists) | 2 Comments

McColl’s: A Scottish Confectionery Chain

Posted on June 9, 2022 by buildingourpast

McColl’s made headlines in May 2022 when it entered voluntary administration, seemingly the latest retail casualty of the Covid pandemic. It was swiftly rescued, however, by Morrisons and its 1100 shops continue to trade. R. S. McColl’s was founded in … Continue reading →

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A Spotter’s Guide to W. H. Smith’s

Posted on March 23, 2017 by buildingourpast

The Newsboy W. H. Smith’s distinctive enamelled hanging signs depicted a newsboy crying his wares against a bright red background. The newsboy was designed for Smith’s in 1905 by the artist Septimus E. Scott (1880-1966). Scott had trained in his … Continue reading →

Posted in CTN (Confectioners, Newsagents, Tobacconists), Spotter's Guides | 5 Comments