Morleys Department Stores has announced plans to reopen Jolly’s store on Milsom Street in the Somerset city of Bath, bringing a revitalised shopping experience to this historic retail destination.
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 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.
With strong demand for leading brands in the region, Morleys will introduce exclusive names never seen before in the city. The new store will also feature a full-service beauty experience and a food and beverage offering, making it an aspirational shopping destination that perfectly suits its prestigious location.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Jolly’s back to life and to be part of the vibrant retail landscape in Bath”
Morleys Department Stores chief executive Allan Winstanley said: “We’re 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.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council has been working hard to secure the future of the much-loved store and is thrilled with Morleys’ investment and plans for it. Councillor Kevin Guy, Bath & North East Somerset Council leader, commented: “Morleys Stores will bring an exciting shopping experience to residents and visitors alike and I’m 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 that the council is making in the Milsom Quarter.”
Bath City Council and Morleys will immediately begin a major refurbishment of the historic building. The store will open in two phases: an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and 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, the former Jolly’s store manager Jess Merritt-Johns 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, share plans and renovation updates, and introduce Morleys to Bath residents and visitors.
Recognising Bath’s status as a thriving tourist city, Morleys aims to establish Jolly’s as a must-visit retail destination, celebrating both its rich heritage and the very best in fashion, beauty, and home.
Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, added: “We set out the council’s commitment to the local economy in our 10-year economic strategy, and this investment is a very positive recognition of the great retail offer that our city has, and the work the council has undertaken to support it.”
Morleys has eight stores including Elys in Wimbledon, Morleys in Brixton, Pearsons in Enfield, and Camp Hopson in Newbury. In April 2024 it opened a 20,000sq ft home store in Newbury adjacent to its main department store. The group has 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.
