200-year-old British department store is returning to the UK high street

A British department store that closed down earlier this year is set to return to the high street - and shoppers have praised the "wonderful" news.

Jolly's in Bath closed in February after 200 years - but it has now been confirmed that it will reopen in spring 2026, starting with a soft launch in March and a full reopening in October.

The iconic store, located in Milsom Street, will be operated by department store group Morleys, which owns seven UK stores.

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The building, which first opened in 1823 and is owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council, will undergo full restoration before it is reopened to the public. Jolly's was previously owned by Frasers Group.

Shoppers have been reacting to the news of the opening on social media. One person said: "That’s wonderful news!!" Another said: "Can't wait to see what they do."

Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys, said: “We’re thrilled that work is underway restoring Jolly’s to its former glory. We’re extremely proud to be another step closer to taking stewardship of Jolly’s and creating a world class shopping experience for the people of Bath and its many visitors."

Grant Jefferies, managing director of Bray and Slaughter, who are carrying out restoration works on the building, added: "Growing up near Bath, Jolly’s has been a constant presence on Milsom Street during my life and to have the opportunity to showcase our technical skills and deliver a project which will secure a future for the site is a challenge my colleagues and I are proud to be entrusted with."

Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for Resources, said: “We are investing significantly in restoration of the building so it can continue to benefit future generations of Bath residents and visitors.

"I’ll be taking a very active interest in progress as work is carried out to preserve the historic fabric of this flagship building."

In more retail news, Poundland is shutting two stores this summer ahead of the planned closure of another 68 branches. The discount chain has been sold for just £1 to investment firm Gordon Brothers, the former owner of Laura Ashley.

It was later revealed that Poundland wants to close 68 stores as part of a major restructure, plus it will look to reduce its rent at a number of other locations.

The restructuring plan will go through the High Court for approval. But before this announcement, Poundland had already shut 16 stores recently, with a further two planned for this summer.

Its store in Cowes, Isle of Wight, will shut permanently on July 30, followed by its branch in Newquay, which will close on August 1. Poundland, which is owned by Pepco Group, has around 800 stores in the UK and employs roughly 16,000 employees.

As part of the restructuring plan, Pepco will retain a minority stake in Poundland. Gordon Brothers is providing up to £80million of financing to help fund the turnaround plan.