Russell and Bromley is set to return to the high street next month, with Westgate Oxford among the first locations to reopen on September 3. The luxury shoe retailer entered administration earlier in 2026 and was acquired by Next in a £2.5 million rescue deal in January 2026.
Store Closures and Rescue Deal
As part of the administration, 33 stores were forced to close, while three shops in the south of England were retained. Clare Martin, centre director at Westgate Oxford, called the return "brilliant news" for the centre.
"The return of Russell & Bromley is brilliant news, and we’re delighted that Westgate Oxford has been chosen as one of the first locations for reopening," she said. "Russell & Bromley has always been a popular brand among our guests and it’s a great part of our retail mix. We look forward to seeing the store reopen later this year," reports Oxford Mail.
Next's Acquisition and Stock Purchase
In the rescue deal, Next took on the Russell and Bromley locations in Chelsea and Mayfair in London, and the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. The retailer also confirmed it would pay £1.3 million for some Russell and Bromley stock, meaning customers could see the brand sold in Next stores.
History and Financial Struggles
The company was put up for sale to "secure the future for the brand" after struggling with rising costs and a challenging retail market. The iconic British shoe shop began trading in 1880, founded by the married shoemaking heirs, Elizabeth Russell and George Bromley.
The retailer was last profitable in 2019 and has struggled with lower demand and rising costs since the pandemic. Its turnover fell 7% to £62.9 million in 2023, when losses increased to £1.4 million.
