Bullring's Russell & Bromley Store Faces Closure as Retailer Enters Administration
A prominent footwear and handbag retailer with a store in Birmingham's iconic Bullring shopping centre has collapsed into administration, casting uncertainty over its future and putting hundreds of jobs at risk across the UK.
Rescue Deal Saves Only Three Stores
Russell & Bromley, which operates 36 stores nationwide, has seen only three of its locations rescued in a deal with the clothing and homeware giant Next. This agreement, part of a broader rescue effort, leaves the remaining 33 stores and nine concessions in a precarious position, with administrators currently assessing options for their survival.
The Bullring store in Birmingham is among those not included in the Next deal, highlighting the significant impact on the local retail landscape. As administrators work to find solutions, the continued trading of these at-risk shops offers a glimmer of hope, but the overall outlook remains bleak for many employees and customers.
Full List of Stores at Risk
The following stores and concessions, which will continue to operate for now, are at risk of closure:
- 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 and Concessions Also Affected
In addition to the main stores, several outlet locations and UK concessions are under threat, including:
- Ashford, Kent
- Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire
- Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Swindon, Wiltshire
- Fenwicks concessions in Canterbury, Newcastle, Kingston, Colchester, Bracknell, Tunbridge Wells, and York
The crisis extends beyond the UK, with Republic of Ireland stores and concessions in Dublin, Kildare, and Cork also facing an uncertain future. This widespread impact underscores the challenges facing the retail sector, as high-street brands struggle to adapt to changing consumer habits and economic pressures.
As the situation develops, stakeholders are closely monitoring the administrators' efforts to secure a viable path forward for the remaining Russell & Bromley outlets.
