Jolly’s, the iconic 200-year-old department store in Bath, will reopen later than initially planned. Originally set to welcome customers again in October 2026, the reopening has now been pushed back to March 2027 due to extensive restoration work.
The beloved store, one of the oldest in Europe, closed its doors in February 2025. Shortly thereafter, department store chain Morleys acquired Jolly’s with a vision to revive the historic brand.
Morleys Stores CEO Ray Clacher highlighted the challenges and inspiration behind the project: “Working within a series of interconnected buildings that have evolved over more than two and a half centuries has been both inspiring and incredibly complex. Every stage has presented opportunities to protect and celebrate Jolly’s rich history while creating the very best department store possible for Bath’s residents and visitors alike.
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“We understand the deep affection people have for Jolly’s, and that passion fuels our ambition. Our goal extends beyond reopening—we aim to establish a vibrant, welcoming destination that Bath can be proud of for generations to come.”
Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources at Bath and North East Somerset Council, praised Morleys’ dedication: “Morleys’ ongoing investment is a strong vote of confidence in Bath’s economy. The building itself is exceptionally complex, and restoring it fully demands vision and time. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of Morleys’ new store early next year, which will be a fantastic addition to Milsom Street and the wider Milsom Quarter.”
Jolly’s traces its origins back to the Georgian era when Kentish James Jolly first opened a successful drapery shop in Deal. In 1823, he expanded by opening a new store in Bath. The business changed hands several times, including being acquired by E J Dingles and Co in 1970, which later became part of House of Fraser. Following House of Fraser’s administration in 2018, Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group took ownership.