Jarrold’s logo is a striking visual embodiment of the British store’s unique character and values. The logo draws on tradition but has a modern twist, making it far from traditional. The logo serves as a beacon for the store’s individualistic ethos, targeting customers who share the brand’s penchant for original and meaningful items. The logo echoes themes of authority, individuality, and resisting the mainstream, attracting a specific clientele that values these nuances. The emblem is associated with quality, uniqueness, and a sense of community that defies mass production.
Jarrolds: Brand overview
Founded in 1770, the Jarrold Group began as a grocery and textile store in Woodbridge, Suffolk County, led by John Jarrold. By 1823, under the leadership of John Jarrold II, the business had moved to Norwich, Norfolk.
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the company engaged in various activities, including printing, publishing, and retailing. One successful publishing project was Anna Sewell’s famous novel Black Beauty, published in the 1800s. By the early twentieth century, a famous department store had opened on London Street in Norwich. This store, built by the skillful architect George John Skipper, is an iconic Norwich structure.
During the 20th century, Jarrold expanded its publishing and printing operations in Norwich. However, in 2005, a fateful decision was made to sell these businesses, leaving the company to concentrate on retail and real estate. The Jarrold Group now operates several department stores and retail outlets in Norwich and the surrounding areas of Norfolk. Having existed for over a quarter of a millennium, the company retains its family roots and is involved in retail and real estate in its founding region.
Meaning and History
Before 2023
2023 – today
The Jarrolds logo captivates with its refined simplicity, and the elements convey a story of strength and rich heritage. At the center is a stylized lion, whose form exudes confidence and timelessness. The figure is rendered in precise black lines, emphasizing restraint and graphic clarity. A raised paw creates a sense of motion as if the lion pauses to assert its presence.
Attention is drawn to details, such as the elegantly curled tail with a small accent at the tip resembling a brush. These features soften the overall image, adding sophistication. The body contours are designed to balance geometry and vitality, making the image strict and easy on the eye.
Below is the name “Jarrolds,” set in a classic serif font. The capital “J” echoes the lines of the lion’s tail, tying the text and graphics into a unified composition. The font showcases understated elegance, balancing the lion’s strength while emphasizing the brand’s longevity and traditions.
The black-and-white palette highlights the design’s versatility, allowing focus on its form and structure. The simplicity of the colors makes the emblem adaptable, appearing equally striking on packaging or digital platforms.
The company uses the lion symbol not as a decorative element but as a reflection of its values—steadfastness, attention to detail, and commitment to tradition. The logo is a visual promise of quality that remains constant over time.