The WH Smith shop in Southport will change its name to TGJones.
It follows the sale of the firm to Hobbycraft-owner Modella Capital.
It will see the WH Smith name disappear from UK high streets after 233 years.
However it should safeguard the future of the store on Chapel Street, which houses Southport Post Office on the first floor.
A new Toys R Us outlet also opened on the first floor, in October 2024.
The sale does not include the WH Smith brand, its travel shops at airports and railway stations or its outlets in hospitals.
WH Smith set up its first shop in London in 1792.
Modella Capital is taking over take over 480 stores and 5,000 staff.
WH Smiths has been a staple of UK High Streets since the Victorian era when it became the country’s principal newspaper distributor.
It still sells papers and magazines, alongside books, sweets and snacks and art supplies.
WH Smiths group chief executive Carl Cowling said the £76m sale was “a pivotal moment” for the company, which would now focus exclusively on the travel-related side of the business.
He said: “High Street is a good business; it is profitable and cash generative with an experienced and high-performing management team.
“However, given our rapid international growth, now is the right time for a new owner to take the High Street business forward.”
The travel division operates more than 1,200 stores in 32 countries.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
