In a significant development for the British retail sector, the iconic footwear chain Russell & Bromley has officially entered administration. However, in a move that will provide some respite for customers, the company has confirmed that its stores will remain open for trading until May 2026. This announcement follows a strategic review that culminated in the sale of the Russell & Bromley brand to retail giant Next in a pre-pack administration deal valued at £2.5 million.
Administration Details and Store Trading Period
The administration process affects 33 Russell and Bromley stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland that were not included in the acquisition by Next. These locations have been granted a 14-week trading window, allowing them to continue operations until May. During this period, customers will have the opportunity to visit these stores and take advantage of closing-down sales, with signs already appearing in shop windows indicating significant discounts.
One such notice prominently displayed reads: “Store closing down. All stock reduced. 20% off original price – everything must go.” This clear-out sale represents the final chapter for these physical retail outlets under the current ownership structure.
Executive Statement on the Brand Sale
Andrew Bromley, Chief Executive of Russell & Bromley, addressed the situation following the completion of the Next deal. He stated: “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.”
This statement underscores the challenging circumstances that led to this administration while expressing gratitude to all stakeholders who have supported the brand over many years.
Complete List of Affected Store Locations
The Russell and Bromley stores scheduled to close from May 2026 include numerous prominent locations across the UK and Ireland. The comprehensive list encompasses both main stores and outlet locations, providing customers with multiple opportunities to visit before the final closures.
Main Store Locations
- Bath, Somerset
- Belfast, County Antrim
- Birmingham city centre, 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 Store Locations
- Ashford, Kent
- Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire
- Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Swindon, Wiltshire
Concession Stand Locations
- 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 administration of Russell & Bromley marks another significant shift in the UK retail landscape, with the brand’s future now resting with Next following this substantial acquisition. Customers have until May to visit the affected stores and take advantage of the closing-down sales before these locations cease trading under the current ownership structure.
