Beloved department store to shut its doors after 200 years on the high street
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A BELOVED department store will shut for good after 200 years on the high street. Frasers Group, which has run the store since the 1970s, has confirmed Jolly's in Bath will close for good in the coming months. The department store is said to be one of the oldest in Europe and has been serving customers for two centuries.
![[Jolly's department store is located in Milsom Street, Bath]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/PRN31Jjpg-JS956854845.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It was originally opened as a seasonal shop in 1823, before being bought by House of Fraser - now part of the Frasers family - in 1970. Frasers Group has confirmed that the store will close in the coming months. A closing down sign has been posted on the windows of the building stating that all stock must go.
![[The store has been around since 1823 and is one of the oldest in Europe]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/J154545711-JS956853322.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Locals were quick to chime in and share their devastation on social media. One even said their grandmother used to have a horse and carriage to deliver hats in for different occasions, from Jolly’s. Another said: it was a truly "sad day" for Bath,. They said: "Jollys was a proper department store, such quality and elegance, Bath has become a shadow of its former self.
![[A closing-down sale has now been posted outside]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/msemail_BRI_Jolly_s_01jpg-JS956531901.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"it seems all the good shops are now gone, such a shame". While a third said: "Heartbreaking, actually really sad.". But all hope may not be lost for the site. Bath and Somerset Council - who own the building - said that advanced talks are underway with a third-party occupier.
It went on to add that it was not in a position to "make a formal statement". It added: "However, the intention is that a joint statement with this third party will be made at the appropriate time.". Frasers Group declined to comment when contacted by Sun Money.
