December 10th 2024.
Jolly's, a beloved department store in the heart of Bath, is sadly closing its doors after 200 years in business. The store, now owned by Frasers Group, originally started as a linen drapery trader before becoming a permanent fixture on Milsom Street in 1923. However, the recent appearance of closing sale signs offering 20% off has come as a surprise to the Bath and North East Somerset Council, who owns the building.
The store, a part of House of Fraser since the 1970s, was one of the few to survive the brand's downsizing in 2018 when it went into administration. Despite this, the local council has been working diligently to secure a future for Jolly's as the anchor store for Milsom Street. In fact, they have already begun a program of works to invest in the building and make it a vibrant part of the Milsom Quarter once again.
However, the council was not aware of the current occupier's intention to put up closing signs, which have now appeared in the windows of the store. Jolly's is expected to close for good in February, a decision that has hit the locals hard. Customers are lamenting the closure of this "real institution in Bath."
Jolly's has a rich history in the city, dating back to its origins in Kent by James Jolly. The first Bath branch opened as a seasonal store in 1923 before becoming a permanent fixture seven years later. It was then purchased by House of Fraser in 1971 and has since become a staple in Bath retail. The news of its closure, with window signs saying "all stock must go," has been met with shock and sadness from the community.
Some locals have expressed their thoughts on the closure, citing reasons such as a decline in footfall and the challenges of operating in an old building. Others have fond memories of shopping at Jolly's, with one person recalling buying furniture on interest-free credit in 1980 and still shopping there 44 years later. However, some have also noted that the decline of the store may not come as a surprise, as reports of rain and broken glass falling into the store earlier this year and a decrease in footfall have been circulating.
Despite this, the closure has sparked an outpouring of grief from the community. Many are sad to see an era come to an end and express that Bath needs a decent department store. The council has stated that while they are in advanced talks with a potential third-party occupier, they are not yet able to make a formal statement about the future of the store. They hope to release a joint statement with the third party at the appropriate time.
In the meantime, many have expressed their disappointment in the closure and the loss of another major store in Bath. This year has seen several high-profile closures, including Dobbies garden centers, WHSmith, and even smaller chains like Oddie's bakeries. The loss of Jolly's will undoubtedly leave a void in the city, but the community remains hopeful for the future and eagerly awaits any updates on the store's future.
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