'End of an era' as much-loved department store closes its doors

Shoppers have been left devastated after a much-loved department store shockingly announced is was set to close down after nearly 200 years. 

Signs up in the window of Jolly's in Bath said there was a closing down sale in the shop, with 20 per cent off, and that all stock must go.

The independent store on Milsom Street is one of the oldest in Europe. It initially opened as a seasonal shop in 1823 and has been a part of the House of Fraser family since 1970.

It survived the brand's cull of its outlets in 2018 after it went into administration, but is now expected to close its doors for good in February 2025.

The announcement has caught Bath and North East Somerset Council, which owns the building, off guard as local chiefs were unaware of the intention of the occupiers to put up the notices.

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.

'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.'

Jolly's can be dated back to the 1810s, when 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. It 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 Bath 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 store has become a key figure in the local shopping community, and residents have been left shocked by the news of its closure.

One told The Metro: '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 a department store in this day and age.

'It's 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 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.