First Russell & Bromley Store Closure Confirmed Following Next Takeover
In a significant development for the UK retail sector, the first Russell & Bromley store is set to close its doors permanently, with a further thirty-two locations now facing considerable uncertainty. This follows the footwear chain's entry into administration in January and its subsequent acquisition by retail giant Next in a deal valued at £2.5 million.
Immediate Impact and Job Security Concerns
The iconic shoe retailer, which has operated for nearly a century and a half, currently maintains a portfolio of thirty-six standalone stores and nine concessions across the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, Next has confirmed it will retain only three of the Russell & Bromley shops as part of the acquisition agreement. These are the prestigious locations in Chelsea, Mayfair, and the Bluewater Shopping Centre.
This strategic decision places the remaining thirty-three shops and all nine concessions at direct risk of closure, potentially endangering hundreds of jobs nationwide. The initial casualty appears to be the Russell & Bromley branch on Exeter High Street in Devon, where prominent "everything must go" signage has been observed in the windows, signalling the start of the wind-down process.
Full List of Locations Facing an Uncertain Future
The extensive list of Russell & Bromley stores now under threat includes major retail destinations across the country. The locations at risk are:
- Bath, Somerset
- Belfast, County Antrim
- 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
- 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
In addition to these high street stores, several outlet locations and concessions are also affected. The outlet stores include Ashford in Kent, Cheshire Oaks in Cheshire, Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and Swindon in Wiltshire.
Administrator's Statement and Future Prospects
Will Wright, the UK chief executive of Interpath Advisory, which is acting as administrator for Russell & Bromley, provided an update on the situation. He confirmed that the thirty-three stores and nine concessions not included in the Next deal would remain operational for the time being. The joint administrators will continue to trade from these locations while they explore all available options for their future.
"Across its 147-year history, Russell & Bromley has been at the forefront of contemporary style," stated Wright. "We're pleased therefore to have concluded this transaction, which will preserve the brand and the commitment to quality craftsmanship that it has become so well known for. Our intention is to continue to trade the remaining portfolio of stores for as long as we can while we explore the options available."
The concessions at risk span several well-known department stores, including multiple Fenwick locations in Canterbury, Newcastle, Kingston, Colchester, Bracknell, Tunbridge Wells, and York, as well as concessions in Arnotts and Brown Thomas in Ireland.
This development marks a pivotal moment for a beloved British brand, as the retail landscape continues to evolve in the face of economic pressures and changing consumer habits.
