The Closure of Jolly’s: A 200-Year Legacy Ends in Bath
Jolly’s department store, a landmark institution in the heart of Bath for two centuries, is closing its doors. The announcement came as a shock to both the local community and the Bath and North East Somerset Council, which owns the building. Closing down sale signs appeared in the store’s windows, offering a 20% discount, signaling the end of an era for this beloved retail establishment. The council, unaware of the impending closure, had been actively working on plans to revitalize Jolly’s as the anchor store of Milsom Street, with significant investments planned for the building’s refurbishment. This unexpected turn of events has left the council scrambling to find a new tenant and develop alternative strategies for the future of this prime retail space.
Jolly’s rich history began in Kent, where James Jolly founded a linen drapery business. The first Bath branch opened as a seasonal store in 1923, transitioning to a permanent fixture seven years later. The store became a local institution, ingrained in the fabric of Bath’s retail landscape. In 1971, Jolly’s was acquired by House of Fraser, which later became part of Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group. The department store managed to survive the widespread closures of House of Fraser outlets in 2018, a testament to its apparent enduring appeal. However, the recent announcement indicates a shift in fortunes, marking the end of Jolly’s long and storied presence in Bath.
The closure has been met with a wave of sadness and nostalgia from locals, many of whom shared cherished memories of the store. Some recounted personal anecdotes of purchasing furniture on interest-free credit decades ago, while others reminisced about the store’s bustling atmosphere during its heyday. The news also sparked reflection on the changing retail landscape, with some suggesting that Jolly’s, with its traditional layout of small rooms, struggled to compete in the modern era of department stores. The building’s age and condition were also cited as contributing factors to its decline, with reports of rain and broken glass within the store earlier this year.
While the closure has evoked a sense of loss, it has also prompted discussions about the future of retail in Bath. Some residents expressed the need for a "decent department store" to fill the void left by Jolly’s, highlighting the importance of such establishments in a city’s commercial ecosystem. The council, while surprised by the announcement, has reaffirmed its commitment to securing a suitable replacement tenant for the prominent Milsom Street location. They have indicated that plans are well underway with a third party, though details remain under wraps pending a formal announcement. The council aims to ensure that this prime retail space continues to contribute to the vibrancy of Bath’s city center.
The closure of Jolly’s follows a broader trend of retail closures across the UK, reflecting the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar stores in the face of changing consumer habits and economic pressures. Several major retailers have announced closures this year, including Dobbies garden centres and WHSmith stores, illustrating the wide-ranging impact of these trends. Even smaller chains, like Oddie’s bakeries in Lancashire, are facing similar difficulties, demonstrating the vulnerability of businesses across the retail spectrum. Jolly’s closure is a poignant reminder of the dynamic nature of the retail sector and the need for businesses to adapt to evolving market conditions.
The story of Jolly’s is a microcosm of the broader shifts in the retail industry. From its humble beginnings as a linen drapery trader to its acquisition by a national retail group, the store witnessed significant changes in the retail landscape. Its two-century presence in Bath made it an integral part of the city’s history, and its closure marks the end of an era. While the future of the building remains uncertain, the council’s commitment to finding a new tenant offers a glimmer of hope for the continued vitality of Milsom Street. Jolly’s legacy, however, will endure in the memories of Bath residents who frequented its aisles over the years, a testament to the enduring impact of a beloved local institution.
