Morleys Stores Ltd has confirmed plans to reopen the iconic Jolly’s department store in Milsom Street, Bath, bringing a revitalised shopping experience to this historic retail destination. Against a backdrop of negative retail stories, the news is a boost for the city of Bath and a much-needed and positive demonstration of investment and growth from a UK department store business.
With a strong heritage in department store retailing, Morleys is committed to restoring Jolly’s to its former glory, making it once again the anchor store for Milsom Street. Offering a carefully curated selection of fashion, beauty, homeware and more, the store will cater to the needs of the local community while also attracting shoppers from across the region and visitors to Bath.
Commenting is Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys Department Stores.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Jolly’s back to life and to be part of the vibrant retail landscape in Bath. Our approach is to treat each of our stores as a unique independent department store, ensuring we create an exceptional shopping experience tailored to the local community. We are especially pleased to confirm that we will be keeping the Jolly’s name, honouring its deep-rooted legacy in the city.”
Also commenting is Councillor Kevin Guy, Bath & Northeast Somerset Council leader. “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. Milsom Street has always been a very special shopping destination and Morleys’ decision complements the investment the council is making in the Milsom Quarter.”
Image L-R: Councillor Mark Elliott cabinet member for Resources, Councillor Kevin Guy, Council Leader, Jess Merritt-Johns Jolly’s Store Manager and Allan Winstanley Morley’s Chief Executive
With strong demand for leading brands in the region, Morleys will introduce exclusive names never seen before in Bath.
Bath City Council and Morleys will immediately begin a major refurbishment of the historic building to restore Jolly’s to its former glory. The store will open in two phases: an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and a grand opening in October 2026, in time for the key trading period in the last quarter of the year.
As a community-focused business, Morleys 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 exciting future, sharing plans and renovation updates.
Morelys department store group has eight stores including Elys in Wimbledon, Morleys in Brixton, Pearsons in Enfield, and Camp Hopson in Newbury.
In April 2024 it opened a new 20,000 sq. ft home store in Newbury adjacent to its main department store. The group has also invested significantly in its estate in recent years, including a £3 million refurbishment to Morleys in Brixton in 2022, and a further £3 million planned in 2025 for Pearsons in Enfield. Alongside the investment in Bath, the group continues to seek opportunities to expand its portfolio of stores subject to the correct strategic fit.
