Morleys has announced plans to reopen Bath’s historic Jolly’s department store, which recently closed after 200 years of trading. The independent group, which operates eight department stores across the UK, will undertake a major refurbishment of the landmark site with the aim to restore Jolly’s to its former glory as the anchor store of Bath’s Milsom Street.
The reopening will take place in two phases, with an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and grand opening in October 2026, ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period.
Morleys CEO Allan Winstanley comments: “We are thrilled to be bringing Jolly’s back to life and to be part of Bath’s vibrant retail community. Our approach is to treat each of our stores as a unique independent department store, creating an exceptional shopping experience tailored to the local community. We are particularly pleased to retain the Jolly’s name, honouring its rich heritage.”
With Bath’s status as a major tourist destination, Morleys aims to establish Jolly’s as a must-visit shopping hub, blending heritage with contemporary retail. The reimagined store will offer a curated selection of fashion, beauty, homeware, and lifestyle products, alongside a full-service beauty experience and a premium food and beverage offering. Morleys also plans to introduce exclusive brands previously unavailable in Bath.
Morleys has reappointed former Jolly’s store manager Jess Merritt-John to oversee a dedicated Heritage Space within the building during the renovation. This area will showcase Jolly’s legacy, provide updates on the refurbishment and introduce the Morleys brand to local shoppers.
The project has been welcomed by Bath and North East Somerset Council, which has been working to secure the future of the store after its recent closure. Council leader Kevin Guy says: “Morleys’ investment is fantastic news for Bath, complementing the work we are doing in the Milsom Quarter and bringing an exciting shopping experience to both residents and visitors.”
The investment is part of Morleys’ wider expansion and refurbishment strategy. The group has invested heavily in its estate in recent years, including a £3 million refurbishment of Morleys Brixton in 2022 and a further £3 million planned for Pearsons in Enfield in 2025. In April 2024, it opened a 20,000sq ft home store adjacent to its main department store, Camp Hopson, in Newbury.
Its portfolio also includes Morleys-branded stores in Brixton, Bexleyheath and Holloway as well as its Tooting location, which is due to close in April. The group remains independently owned since it began in 1927.
Jolly’s is one of Europe’s oldest department stores, opening in Bath over 200 years ago. The business was purchased by E J Dingles and Co in 1970, which was then acquired by House of Fraser. When House of Fraser fell into administration in 2018, it went under the ownership of Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group. In December 2024, following a series of health and safety issues, it shocked locals by announcing its imminent closure.