Iconic British Footwear Brand Russell & Bromley Confronts Major Store Closures and Job Losses
The future of a beloved British footwear institution hangs in the balance as Russell & Bromley, a retailer with nearly 150 years of heritage on the high street, grapples with the potential closure of 33 stores and nine concessions. This development places approximately 400 jobs at risk, casting a shadow over the brand's storied legacy.
Administration and Acquisition by Next
In a significant turn of events, Russell & Bromley entered administration in January 2026, a move that precipitated its acquisition by retail giant Next in a £2.5 million deal. However, this transaction has preserved only three branches: Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater. The remaining outlets, including flagship locations in major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Bath, now face an uncertain future as administrators diligently explore options for their continuation.
Immediate Impact on Stores and Staff
The ramifications of this situation are stark, with the other 33 stores and nine concessions under imminent threat of closure. Russell & Bromley employs around 440 staff members, meaning that the vast majority of these positions are now in jeopardy. Early signs of distress have emerged, with reports from Devon Live indicating that "store closing down" notices and "everything must go" signs have appeared at the Exeter High Street branch, accompanied by 20% discounts. Similarly, shoppers on Reddit have noted closing down sales at the Edinburgh St James Quarter outlet, as reported by the Express.
Strategic Shift and Future Direction
The potential closures suggest a strategic pivot for the Russell & Bromley brand, likely transitioning from standalone high street premises to integration within Next stores and online platforms. Next has invested £1.3 million in acquiring Russell & Bromley's inventory, which is expected to be sold through its own distribution channels. In a statement, Next expressed its commitment to securing the brand's future, stating: "This acquisition secures the future of a much-loved British footwear brand," and outlined plans to "build on this legacy and provide the operational stability and expertise to support Russell & Bromley's next chapter."
Executive Perspective and Industry Implications
Andrew Bromley, chief executive of Russell & Bromley, described the sale as the outcome of a "strategic review with external advisers," characterising it as a painful but necessary measure. He stated: "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." The Mirror has reached out to Russell & Bromley for further comment, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of this development.
List of Stores Potentially Facing Closure
The following Russell & Bromley locations are at risk of closure, underscoring the widespread impact across the UK and Ireland:
- Bath, Somerset
- Belfast, County Antrim
- 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
- Dublin Grafton Street, County Dublin
- Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh
- Exeter, Devon
- Glasgow, Glasgow City
- Guildford, Surrey
- Hampstead, Greater London
- Harrogate, North Yorkshire
- Jermyn Street, Greater London
- Kildare, County Kildare
- 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 and Concessions at Risk
In addition to the main stores, several outlet locations and concessions are also under threat:
- Outlet Stores: Ashford, Kent; Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire; Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth, Hampshire; Swindon, Wiltshire
- Concessions: Arnotts concession, Dublin, County Dublin; Brown Thomas concession, Cork, County Cork; 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
The timing for closures at other branches nationwide remains unclear, leaving employees and customers in a state of anticipation. This situation reflects broader challenges in the retail sector, where even iconic brands must adapt to evolving consumer behaviours and market dynamics.
