Historic Bath department store Jolly’s puts up ‘closing down’ signs

Jolly's department store in Bath has put up 'closing down' signs in its windows. Credit: BPM Media

Bath’s historic department store Jolly’s looks set to close its doors after 200 years.

Signs have appeared in the windows of the Milson Street premises which suggest it is closing down, with items available for sale.

Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES), who own the building, said it was unaware of the intention to close.

Jolly’s, which first opened in Bath in the 1820s, is operated by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group and is believed to be one of Europe’s oldest department stores.

Jolly's first opened its doors in 1831

‘One of Bath’s most important department stores’

"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,” the council said in its statement.

"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."

Closing down signs have appeared in the windows of Jolly's in Bath. Credit: BPM Media

Jolly’s has existed since the 1810s, when founder James Jolly opened a linen drapery store in Kent.

Following its success, he opened a seasonal store in Bath for his son Thomas in 1823.

It then became a permanent fixture of Bath’s high street in 1830, selling linen, toys, silk and cutlery.

It became part of the House of Fraser group in 1971.