Three well-known British retailers are closing branches or winding down, leaving shoppers limited time for a final visit. Denby Pottery Village in Derbyshire shuts permanently on Sunday, August 30, 2026, while Cardzone's Sheffield store closes on Saturday, September 5, and Russell & Bromley has already liquidated 43 stores following its administration.
Cardzone Sheffield closure and sale
Greetings card chain Cardzone is closing its Sheffield store, with a 50% discount sale running as the branch clears remaining stock. The sale was initially advertised at 30% off before being increased to half price as the closure date approaches.
Sheffield is not the only affected store, as nine other Cardzone branches have already closed, including outlets in Newport and Didcot, which both shut in July. Further closures also took place throughout 2024.
The company has previously flagged risks posed by its property arrangements, noting in its most recent financial accounts: "The business leases the majority of its locations, which comes with inherent risks. Most stores operate under leases lasting less than five years, and there are no guarantees that lease renegotiations will be successful."
Russell & Bromley administration details
Luxury shoe brand Russell & Bromley fell into administration on January 21. The vast majority of its estate has since been wound down, with 43 stores liquidated and around 400 staff left facing redundancy.
Next stepped in to acquire the brand in January, retaining just three stores — two in London and one in Stone. Administrators Interpath have published a progress report covering the period up to July 20, revealing that unsecured creditors are owed a total of £37.5 million.
The report notes that a dividend payment to those creditors remains possible, though the exact figure is yet to be determined and will depend on the "realisation of assets and payment of associated assets". Ordinary preferential creditor claims amount to approximately £134,000, while HMRC, as a secondary preferential creditor, is owed £2.8 million. Both are expected to be paid in full when "reasonably practicable".
Denby Pottery Village final closure
Denby Pottery, a brand with roots stretching back more than 200 years, is closing its stores for good this week. The main closure is Denby Pottery Village in Derbyshire, which has a closing down sale over the August bank holiday weekend, with items sold from as little as £2 and bundles of four pieces available for between £6 and £12.
Outlets in Ashford, Portsmouth, Braintree, York, Dalton Park, Castleford and Cheshire Oaks are also closing permanently this week.
Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby group of companies and partner at FRP, said: "It's undoubtedly a sad moment to see the Pottery Village close after so many years as the home of this much-loved British brand. We wanted to give shoppers and Denby enthusiasts the chance to visit one final time and take home a piece of its heritage."
"While the stores are closing, the Denby brand itself will continue under new ownership, ensuring its legacy lives on. We hope as many people as possible will come along and help give the Pottery Village the send-off it deserves."
