By 1810, James Jolly, pictured, who was already running a drapery store in Winchester opened a linen drapery store in the coastal town of Deal, Kent. Specialising in quality linens and household textiles, the store quickly gained a reputation for excellent customer service and dependable products. By the early 1820s, he opened a store in Margate, which was run by his son, Thomas. Their modest venture marked the beginning of what would later grow into a respected and enduring retail legacy, laying the foundation for the Jolly’s.
