The future of 33 Russell & Bromley stores hangs in the balance after the footwear and handbag retailer fell into administration, with Next stepping in to acquire the brand but opting to purchase only a fraction of its physical locations.
Limited Rescue Deal Leaves Majority of Stores in Limbo
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the UK retail sector, Next has completed the purchase of Russell & Bromley following its entry into administration. However, the high street giant has confirmed it will take on just three of the group's 36 stores as part of the rescue agreement.
This decision leaves the remaining 33 Russell & Bromley stores and nine concessions facing an uncertain future, putting hundreds of retail jobs at significant risk across multiple locations. Administrators have stated they are currently evaluating all available options for these shops while they continue to trade.
Complete List of Stores Not Included in Next's Acquisition
The following Russell & Bromley locations, which were not incorporated into Next's purchase deal, are now considered at risk:
Main Stores
- Bath, Somerset
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Birmingham, West Midlands
- Brent Cross, Greater London
- Brighton, East Sussex
- Brompton, Greater London
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
- Canary Wharf, Greater London
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Chester, Cheshire
- Covent Garden, Greater London
- Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh
- Exeter, Devon
- Glasgow, Glasgow City
- Guildford, Surrey
- Hampstead, Greater London
- Harrogate, North Yorkshire
- Jermyn Street, Greater London
- Leeds, West Yorkshire
- Manchester, Greater Manchester
- Oxford, Oxfordshire
- Paddington, Greater London
- Regent Street, Greater London
- Richmond, Greater London
- Stratford, Greater London
- Westfield White City, Greater London
- Winchester, Hampshire
Outlet Stores
- Ashford, Kent
- Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire
- Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Swindon, Wiltshire
UK Concessions
- Fenwicks Canterbury, Kent
- Fenwicks Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
- Fenwicks Kingston, Greater London
- Fenwicks Colchester, Essex
- Fenwicks Bracknell, Berkshire
- Fenwicks Tunbridge Wells, Kent
- Fenwicks York, North Yorkshire
Republic of Ireland Stores and Concessions
- Dublin Grafton Street, County Dublin
- Kildare, County Kildare
- Arnotts concession, Dublin, County Dublin
- Brown Thomas concession, Cork, County Cork
The selective nature of Next's acquisition highlights the ongoing challenges facing traditional retail businesses, particularly those with extensive physical store portfolios. While the Russell & Bromley brand will continue under Next's ownership, the fate of its widespread store network remains to be determined by administrators in the coming weeks.
