Jolly’s, one of the oldest department stores in Europe, closed its doors for the last time last week.
Jolly’s in Bath has closed its doors for the final time
Earlier this month the store held a “reverse recruitment day” saying there were “100 valuable and experienced staff looking for new roles in the Bath area”.
Landlord Bath & North East Somerset Council said in December that plans were at “an advanced stage with a new third-party occupier” to take over the running of the Milsom Street premises.
There is still yet to be an announcement although there has been speculation on social media, with some people holding out for a John Lewis or a Fenwick’s.
In October 1831 Jolly and Son announced the opening of their ‘Bath Emporium’ at 12 Milsom Street. Over the years the business expanded, joining together eight terraced buildings.
Jolly’s was bought by House of Fraser in the 1970s and taken over by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group six years ago.
The closure of Jolly’s was revealed when signs appeared in the shop’s windows in December, taking B&NES Council by surprise which as a result issued a statement on its website on 10th December saying: “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 under way, 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.”
The council is spending millions on the Grade II listed premises where, as we reported last year, there have been issues with water pouring in and broken panes of glass falling into the trading area.
