Iconic department store Jolly’s in Bath appears set to close down. The independent store is one of Europe’s oldest department stores, but its time appears to be coming to an end.
Signs up in the window of the Milsom Street premises say there is a closing down sale with 20 per cent off. Bath and North East Somerset Council, who own the building, have said they were unaware of the intention of the current occupier to put up the notices which have appeared in the windows of the store.
SomersetLive understands that the store will close in February 2025. Signs on the building say all stock must go.
A statement from the council said: “House of Fraser went into administration in August 2018 and since then the council has been working hard to ensure a secure future for this flagship store at the heart of the Milsom Quarter.
“A significant element of the plan is to make Jolly’s once again the anchor store for Milsom Street, and a programme of works, which are already underway, will see significant investment in the building over the coming months.
“The council was unaware of the intention of the current occupier to put up the notices which have appeared in the windows of the store.
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“While plans are at an advanced stage with a third party occupier, the council is not in a position to make a formal statement at this time in relation to its proposals for the future of one of Bath’s most important department stores. However, the intention is that a joint statement with this third party will be made at the appropriate time.”
In the 1810s, James Jolly set up a linen drapery store in Deal, Kent. The business thrived, and by 1823 he opened a seasonal store in Bath for his son Thomas. The shop was a success and by 1830 became a permanent shop.
In 1970, the business was purchased by E J Dingles and Co, who in turn were purchased by House of Fraser – and now by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group.
Following a major refurbishment of the Milsom Street store in 2014, the Jolly’s name was revived – but it would appear that the revival might not last any longer with signs in the window of its impending closure.
The news has saddened locals. One said: “The end of an era. Such a shame. Bath needs a decent department stores.”
Another added: “A real institution in Bath. We bought our furniture in there on interest free credit in 1980 when we bought our house. It’s still going strong 44 yrs later!”
A third though said: “I wonder how many of us lamenting the possible closing down of Jolly’s have actually bought anything there this year?”
A fourth added: “It is a shame and People will be up in arms about this decision but many of Bath residents do not think of shopping there.
“The problem is footfall as well as a very old building that does not work as department store in this day and age. Full of small rooms and is not making the money it used to. I worked there many moons ago, also shop there and every time I’m in there it is almost empty.”
Earlier this year, “significant” health and safety problems involving rain and broken glass falling into the store were found. Bath & North East Somerset Council, which owns the building on Milsom Street, has this week given an assurance that safety measures are in place following the issues last year.
Frasers Group have been contacted for comment but have not responded.
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