The historic Jolly’s department store in Bath is set to reopen in spring 2026 after being taken over by Morleys Stores Ltd.
The store will reopen as Jolly’s in spring 2026
Morleys operates eight department stores and offers a range of products across fashion, beauty and homewares.
The announcement comes following 18 months of talks between landlord Bath & North East Somerset Council and Morleys Stores.
Jolly’s closed its doors under former owner Frasers Group in February 2025.
The store will open in two phases with an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and grand opening in October 2026.
Allan Winstanley, Chief Executive of Morleys Department Stores, said: “We are thrilled to start preparations to open up in Jolly’s and restore this heritage store to its former glory for Bath.
“Our business treats all our stores as unique independent stores, designed to serve their local community with curated and considered product collections and store experiences.
“We will strive to provide an outstanding shopping experience for the community of Bath and its visitors and I’m sure people will be pleased to know we are keeping the name Jolly’s.”
A programme of works by B&NES Council, costing millions of pounds, is currently taking place at the property on Milsom Street.
In November, the council’s cabinet member for resources, Councillor Mark Elliott, agreed to approve capital spending of £10 million into “properties within the Milsom Quarter Masterplan area”.
Work required at the property includes internal and external work such as re-roofing, repairs to external walls, extensive window and door repairs/replacement, stormwater repairs and upgrading, and the upgrade and replacement of mechanical, electrical and public health services installation.
The Jolly’s department store on Milsom Street
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader at B&NES Council, said: “Morleys Stores will bring an exciting shopping experience to residents and visitors alike and I am delighted to welcome the business to our vibrant city and to one of the most loved stores in Bath.
“Milsom Street has always been a very special shopping destination and Morleys Stores is a fantastic fit for the area. Morleys’ decision complements the investment the council is making in the Milsom Quarter.
“The council has been working hard over the past 18 months to secure the future of this flagship store and a significant element of the plan is to make it once again the anchor store for Milsom Street.”
Councillor Elliott added: “We set out the council’s commitment to the local economy in our ten-year Economic Strategy and this investment is a very positive recognition of the great retail offer our city has and the work the council has undertaken to support it.
“I join others in welcoming Morleys Stores to Bath.”
Allan Winstanley, Chief Executive of Morleys Department Stores | Photo © Morleys Stores Ltd
With strong demand for leading brands in the region, Morleys will introduce exclusive names never seen before in the city. The new Jolly’s store will feature a full-service beauty experience and food and beverage offering.
Morleys says it prides itself on ensuring each store is uniquely tailored to serve its local community. In line with this commitment, Jess Merritt-John, the former Jolly’s Store Manager, has been retained and will oversee a dedicated Heritage Space within Jolly’s throughout the renovation.
This space will showcase the store’s rich history and future, sharing plans, renovation updates, and introducing Morleys to Bath’s residents and visitors.
