In a significant development for the UK retail sector, the historic Russell & Bromley shoe chain faces an uncertain future after fashion giant Next acquired its brand, leaving dozens of stores and concessions in jeopardy. The deal, conducted through a pre-pack insolvency process, has sparked concerns for approximately 440 employees across the UK and Ireland.
Next Secures Brand, But Stores Remain in Administration
Next has snapped up the Russell & Bromley name and certain intellectual property assets, including the transfer of three key stores located in Chelsea, Mayfair, and the Bluewater Shopping Centre. However, the transaction notably excludes the majority of the retailer's physical footprint. A total of 33 standalone stores and all nine concessions are not part of the sale and will continue to operate under the oversight of joint administrators from Interpath, who are actively exploring options for their future.
Family-Owned Heritage Under Pressure
Founded in Sussex back in 1879, Russell & Bromley has long traded as a proudly British brand, renowned for its high-end footwear and contemporary style. Despite this rich heritage, the company has struggled in a fiercely competitive market, with sales declining and losses widening in recent years. The cost of living squeeze has further pressured its premium ranges, contributing to the difficult decision to sell the brand.
Andrew Bromley, a family member and chief executive, commented on the strategic move, stating, "Following a strategic review with external advisers, we have taken the difficult decision to sell the Russell & Bromley brand. This is the best route to secure the future for the brand, and we would like to thank our staff, suppliers, partners and customers for their support throughout our history."
Administrators Assess Remaining Portfolio
Will Wright, Interpath's UK chief executive, emphasised the brand's legacy, noting, "Across its 147-year history, Russell & Bromley has been at the forefront of contemporary style. We're pleased therefore to have concluded this transaction, which will preserve the brand and the commitment to quality craftsmanship that it has become so well known for." He added that the intention is to continue trading the remaining stores for as long as possible while evaluating available alternatives.
The stores not included in the Next deal and currently trading in administration span numerous locations across the UK, including:
- Bath
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Brent Cross
- Brighton
- Brompton
- Cambridge
- Canary Wharf
- Cheltenham
- Chester
- Covent Garden
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Glasgow
- Guildford
- Hampstead
- Harrogate
- Jermyn Street
- Leeds
- Manchester
- Oxford
- Paddington
- Regents Street
- Richmond
- Stratford
- Westfield White City
- Winchester
Additionally, outlet stores in Ashford, Cheshire Oaks, Gunwharf Quay in Portsmouth, and Swindon, along with concessions in Fenwicks locations such as Canterbury, Newcastle, Kingston, Colchester, Bracknell, Tunbridge Wells, and York, are affected. In the Republic of Ireland, stores and concessions in Dublin Grafton Street, Kildare, Arnotts in Dublin, and Brown Thomas in Cork also remain in administration.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in the retail industry, where even established brands with deep roots can face precarious futures amid market pressures and shifting consumer behaviours.
