Russell & Bromley has made a return to the UK high street after being rescued from administration earlier this year. The luxury shoe chain, which collapsed in early 2026, was bought out of administration by Next for £2.5 million for its brand and intellectual property, plus an additional £1.3 million for a portion of its existing stock.
Store Closures and Reopenings
The deal initially included only three Russell & Bromley stores in Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater in Kent, leading to the closure of the remaining 33 branches. However, according to Drapers, the Russell & Bromley store in Richmond has now reopened under new ownership by Next.
Brand History and Legacy
Founded in 1880 by George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell in Eastbourne, Russell & Bromley currently employs over 450 people and is run by Andrew Bromley. Following the announcement of the deal, Next stated: "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, allowing it to return to its core mission: the design and curation of world-class, premium footwear and accessories for many years to come."
Andrew Bromley, chief executive of Russell & Bromley, previously commented: "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."
Next's Recent Acquisitions
Next has also acquired brands such as Cath Kidston, Joules, Seraphine, and Made.com in recent years, expanding its portfolio of high street names.
Primark Denies Online Delivery Launch
In other retail news, Primark has denied reports that it is preparing to launch online delivery for the first time. The high street fashion chain recently attempted to purchase the ASOS online fulfilment warehouse in Lichfield, Staffordshire, but was outbid by M&S, which bought it for £67.5 million. Sources told The Times that the 437,000 sq ft warehouse was designed "specifically for e-commerce fulfilment" and would be "impossible to use for stores." Sources added that Primark "knows it needs to go online." However, a Primark spokesperson told the Mirror: "Our position on home delivery remains unchanged. As part of regular reviews of our distribution network to support future growth, we explored this site as a potential option for our Click & Collect service in Great Britain."
