Bath and North East Somerset Council has issued a statement following the news that iconic department store Jolly’s in Bath is set to close down. Signs up in the window appeared this week in the Milsom Street premises say there is a closing down sale with 20 per cent off.
SomersetLive understands that the store will close in February 2025. Signs on the building say all stock must go.
The independent store is one of Europe’s oldest department store. 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.
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.
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“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.
“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.
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.