Morleys Stores has announced plans to reopen the iconic Jollys store in Milsom Street, Bath, bringing "a revitalised shopping experience" to this historic retail destination.
With a strong heritage in department store retailing, Morleys says it is committed to restoring Jollys to its former glory, making it once again the anchor store for Milsom street. Offering a curated selection of fashion, beauty, homewares and more, the store will cater to the needs of the local community while also targeting shoppers from across the region and visitors to Bath.
Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys Department Stores, says: “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 Jollys name, honouring its deep-rooted legacy in the city.”
Bath & Northeast Somerset Council has been working to secure the future of the store. Councillor Kevin Guy, Bath & Northeast Somerset Council leader, says: “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. The store will open in two phases – an initial launch in March 2026, followed by a full completion and grand opening in October 2026.
Jess Merritt-Johns, 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 history and future, sharing plans and renovation updates, and introducing Morleys to Bath’s residents and visitors.
Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for Resources, adds: “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 our city has and the work the council has undertaken to support it.”
The Morleys group comprises 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 sqft home store in Newbury, adjacent to its main department store.
The group has invested significantly in its estate in recent years, including a £3m refurbishment to Morleys in Brixton in 2022, with a further £3m planned in 2025 for Pearsons in Enfield. Alongside the investment in Bath, the group says it continues to seek opportunities to expand its portfolio of stores "subject to the correct strategic fit".
