Russell & Bromley Gift Cards Invalid Following Next Takeover
High street giant Next has acquired the iconic British footwear brand Russell & Bromley out of administration, but the rescue deal has left shoppers unable to use gift cards or loyalty points. The luxury shoe chain, founded in 1880, was purchased last month for £2.5 million for the brand and intellectual property, plus £1.3 million for a portion of its current stock.
Limited Store Inclusion and Closure Risks
However, the agreement only encompasses three out of Russell & Bromley's 36 stores: its Bluewater, Chelsea, and Mayfair locations. Stores in Exeter and Manchester have already initiated closing down sales, while numerous other branches remain at risk of closure. This includes outlets in cities such as Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Oxford, and Winchester, among others listed below.
On its website, Next explicitly states: "These [gift cards and loyalty points] can no longer be used and we will not be able to honour these. For any queries about these please contact the Administrators."
Consumer Advice and Refund Options
Shoppers with outstanding orders or faulty products are advised to contact the administrators via email at customer.experience@russellandbromley.co.uk. Additionally, customers may explore refund avenues through their banks:
- For purchases over £100 on a credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act could provide a refund.
- For debit card payments or credit card purchases of £100 or less, Chargeback may be applicable if the transaction occurred within the last 120 days.
Company Background and Executive Statements
Russell & Bromley, currently employing over 450 people and led by chief executive Andrew Bromley, has a storied history dating back to its Eastbourne origins. In a statement, Next emphasized its commitment to preserving the brand's legacy: "This acquisition secures the future of a much-loved British footwear brand. Next intends to build on this legacy and provide the operational stability and expertise to support Russell & Bromley’s next chapter."
Andrew Bromley commented on the strategic decision: "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."
Stores Excluded from the Next Deal
The following Russell & Bromley locations were not included in the acquisition and face uncertain futures:
- Bath, Somerset
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- 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
- Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh
- Exeter, Devon
- Glasgow, Glasgow City
- Guildford, Surrey
- Hampstead, Greater London
- Harrogate, North Yorkshire
- Jermyn Street, Greater London
- 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: Ashford, Kent; Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire; Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth, Hampshire; Swindon, Wiltshire.
UK concessions: Various Fenwicks locations in Canterbury, Newcastle, Kingston, Colchester, Bracknell, Tunbridge Wells, and York.
Republic of Ireland stores and concessions: Dublin Grafton Street, County Dublin; Kildare, County Kildare; Arnotts concession in Dublin; Brown Thomas concession in Cork.
