After over a century of operation, Russell & Bromley, the iconic British footwear chain, has closed 10 of its stores following its plunge into administration. The brand, which was acquired by Next earlier this year, is now in the midst of a significant reduction, shutting down 33 standalone stores and 9 concessions across the UK and Ireland.
The Impact of the Administration Deal
Russell & Bromley, which was originally founded by George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell in Eastbourne, has long been synonymous with high-end British footwear. The company employed around 440 people across its 36 stores, but with the recent acquisition by Next, the future of many employees has become uncertain.
As part of the acquisition, Next acquired the Russell & Bromley brand, its intellectual property, and three of its most significant stores in Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater. Additionally, the deal allowed 40 employees to transfer to Next, leaving many others in limbo.
The pre-pack deal allowed Next to step in and provide a lifeline for the brand, but it also meant that a large portion of Russell & Bromley’s stores would face permanent closure. While this restructuring deal gave the footwear brand a chance to continue, it came with painful cuts. The company’s new owners are now focused on managing the business with fewer locations and a smaller workforce.
The First Wave of Closures
As part of this restructuring, Russell & Bromley has already closed its Covent Garden store on April 22, with more closures scheduled. Bath and Harrogate stores are expected to shut down today, April 23, reports Express. To clear out remaining stock, Russell & Bromley has also started offering clearance sales, with discounts of up to 90% on most items.
Celebrity Following and Rich History
Founded in 1880 by George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell in Eastbourne, the footwear brand became synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. Over the years, Russell & Bromley garnered a loyal customer base, including famous personalities like Kate Middleton, Katie Holmes, and Billie Piper.
Closed Russell & Bromley Stores
Among the stores that have already closed are those in Exeter, Hampstead, Winchester, Stratford, Birmingham, Jermyn Street, Canary Wharf, Swindon outlet, Ashford outlet, and Cheshire Oaks outlet. With the ongoing closures and a shrinking footprint, the future of Russell & Bromley remains uncertain as the once-thriving British brand navigates the challenges of the modern retail landscape.
