UK shoe chain plunges into administration – 33 stores closed in April | UK | News
Historic British shoe brand Russell and Bromley has undergone major restructuring since entering administration. The company, founded in 1880, completed a £2.5m pre-pack management deal in January 2026. Retail giant Next has stepped in to acquire the company’s brand name and all intellectual property rights. This significant acquisition was made to preserve the legacy of the premium footwear brand for years to come, but the majority of its stores have now closed.
The Next acquisition was highly selective in terms of maintaining the company’s physical retail presence. The deal included just three high-profile store locations: Chelsea, Mayfair and Bluewater shopping centre. A total of 33 stores and nine retail franchises were not part of the deal. As a result, these locations across the country have since been forced to close their doors permanently. The last Russell & Bromley closing occurred on April 23, after the firm announced a top 10 closing on April 21.
The last Russell and Bromley branch, which was not included in the sale, ceased trading in late April 2026 and the closure, which took place on 23 April, marked the end of the chain’s presence in many high street locations.
This significant restructuring resulted in significant job losses among company staff, with approximately 320 employees affected.
Interpath managers are currently managing the situation and assisting affected staff.
Their immediate focus is to oversee the cessation of remaining work and assist staff with layoff requests and reports. LiverpoolEcho.
The company’s CEO, Andrew Bromley, confirmed that a sale was the best way to ensure the continuity of the brand.
Next has expressed its intention to deliver the operational stability and expertise necessary to support the brand’s next chapter.
Management added in the FAQ: “NEXT has acquired the brand name, domain names and intellectual property of Russell & Bromley. NEXT has also acquired 3 stores: Mayfair (London) 395/397 Oxford Street; Chelsea (London) 64/66 King’s Road London and Bluewater, Kent. All other stores are under the control of the Managers.”
“Although the previous operator has ceased trading, the Russell & Bromley brand will be operated by NEXT for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, former Russell & Bromley customers can shop at NEXT.”
Customers who purchased something from Russel and Bromley before the administration will need to contact the administrators if an item is faulty.
It adds: “If your product was purchased before the Administrators were appointed on 21 January 2026 and requires a refund because it is faulty, please contact the Administrators at customer.experience@russellandbromley.co.uk.”
