A historic store in Bath is facing closure after more then 200 years. Jolly's, on Milsom Street, is one of the oldest department stores in Europe.
It is currently run by the House of Fraser group, but 'closing down' posters have put in the windows of the shop, saying "all stock must go".
Bath and North East Somerset Council, who own building, said: "The council was unaware of the intention of the current occupier to put up the notices which have appeared in the windows of the store."
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The local authority is reportedly engaging with a new party to transform Jolly's into the flagship store on the street. Frasers Group, the present operators, have remained silent in the face of enquiries.
The iconic store is anticipated to close its doors permanently in February 2025.
Locals have been eager to share cherished memories associated with Jolly's on social media. Ally Allen wrote: "So sad. Jolly's brings back so many happy memories, especially when I lived near Bath when I was very young."
Kay Stanton said: "I never realised the history of the building till recently. Regrettably the days of department stores are quite weak now. Not surprised it's closing."
Echoing the sentiment of loss, Jacqueline Hopkins added: "Very sad! My grandmother used to work there as a seamstress, and made men's shirts for a shilling (5p) a time, this must have been prior to 1900!"
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Jolly's traces its roots back to the 1810s when James Jolly established a linen drapery store in Deal, Kent. Building on its success, by 1823 he opened a seasonal store in Bath for his son Thomas, which by 1830 became a permanent establishment.
In the following years, the store changed hands, being purchased by E J Dingles and Co in 1970 and eventually becoming part of House of Fraser – now under Mike Ashley's Frasers Group umbrella.
Despite a major refurbishment and the revival of the Jolly's name in 2014, the future of the Milsom Street store hangs in the balance, evidenced by signs heralding its potential closure displayed prominently in its windows.