Jarrold's History - The 21st Century
• First Coalition government for over 50 years • Ellen MacArthur became world record holder for fastest circumnavigation of the globe • Chapelfield shopping centre opens in Norwich in 2005
In 2004 the company bought the last part of the "block", at 9 -11 London Street, and renovated and extended this listed building linking it to the main store.
Fireworks above the London Street store
Jarrolds was twice awarded the Independent Department Store of the Year by trade magazine Drapers.
David Hill, son-in-law of Peter Jarrold and husband of Susie Jarrold, who is managing director of Jarrold Training, was appointed chairman in 2002.
The company made the decision to concentrate on retail and property in 2005, which was followed by the sale of both the printing and publishing arms.
In 2005 the company acquired the Pilch sports store in Norwich and, by relocating it to London Street in 2006, was able to treble the size of the store, add many new sports lines and develop the specialist advice offered. Pilch changed to Jarrold Intersport in July 2018 as part of a game-changing move to bring the sports store more in line with Jarrold department store.
The company took over The Granary in Bedford Street in 2012, developing it to become a hub of contemporary furniture design and home accessories.
Since 2019 Jarrold has been responsible for the running of The Refectory Restaurant at Norwich Cathedral.
The retail division of Jarrold has continued to develop and thrive through changing and challenging market conditions and is one of the few remaining independently owned department stores in the UK. In developing the business, the management has a keen eye on continuing to enhance the ranges offered and an ongoing programme of investment in its buildings, online and wider business activities.
Jarrold remains privately owned and family members continue to be involved in the business. Today Michelle Jarrold, daughter of Richard Jarrold, is on the Board after a long career as development director within the retail division and Caroline Jarrold is Community Affairs Adviser and Secretary to the John Jarrold Trust. Over most of the company's history senior members of management from outside the family have been important to its leadership and success. Richard Jarrold was succeeded by Richard Smith, he in turn was succeeded by Peter Mitchell who was succeeded by Minnie Moll. John Adams, who has spent most of his career with Jarrold, was appointed managing director in 2021.
The property, business services and training divisions are also growing as the St James Place - the new business and residential quarter for Norwich around St James Mill - continues to develop.
Jarrold & Sons Ltd marked its 250th anniversary in 2020, a year sadly marred by the huge impact of Covid-19. It will celebrate 200 years in Norwich in 2023.