Morleys Stores is reopening the iconic Jollys 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 positive demonstration of investment and growth from a UK department store business.
Morleys is committed to restoring Jollys to its former glory, making it the anchor store for Milsom Street. Offering a selection of homeware, fashion, beauty 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
Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys Department Stores, stated: “We are thrilled to be bringing Jollys 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 & Northeast Somerset Council has been working to secure the future of the store and is thrilled with Morleys’ investment and plans for it. Councillor Kevin Guy, Bath & Northeast Somerset Council leader, commented: “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.”
Bath City Council and Morleys will immediately begin a major refurbishment of the historic building, with the goal of restoring Jollys to its former glory. 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, Jess Merritt-John, the former Jollys store manager, has been retained and will oversee a dedicated heritage space within Jollys throughout the renovation. This space will showcase the store’s rich history and exciting future, sharing plans, renovation updates and introducing Morleys to Bath’s residents and visitors.
Recognising Bath’s status as a thriving tourist city, Morleys aims to establish Jollys 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 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
Morleys 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 square feet 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.
Top: From left to right: 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.
