Uncertain future for 33 Russell & Bromley shops after Next buys shoe chain

Next Buys Russell & Bromley Brand for £2.5m but Retains Just Three Stores

Wednesday 21 January 2026 | UK Business News

High street fashion giant Next has acquired the Russell & Bromley brand out of administration in a £2.5m rescue deal, securing the future of the 145-year-old luxury footwear label but leaving most of its physical stores in limbo.

Under the deal, Next has purchased the brand and intellectual property of the family-owned shoe retailer through an insolvency process. However, it will retain only three Russell & Bromley stores—located in Chelsea, Mayfair and the Bluewater Shopping Centre.

Russell & Bromley currently operates 36 stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland, employing around 440 people. While all shops and concessions will continue trading for now, the future of 33 stores and nine concessions, along with associated jobs, remains uncertain.

Administrators said they are continuing to explore options for the remaining sites.

Next also confirmed it paid £1.3m for Russell & Bromley stock, meaning some of the brand’s footwear will be sold through Next’s retail channels.

In a statement, Next said the acquisition would “secure the future of a much-loved British footwear brand,” adding that it plans to provide operational stability and allow Russell & Bromley to refocus on designing and curating premium footwear and accessories.

Russell & Bromley chief executive Andrew Bromley said the sale followed a strategic review and was the best route to safeguard the brand’s long-term future.

“This was a difficult decision, but one taken in the best interests of the brand,” he said, thanking staff, suppliers and customers for their support.

The deal continues Next’s recent strategy of acquiring distressed but well-known British brands, including Cath Kidston, Joules, Seraphine, Made.com, and FatFace, often at heavily discounted prices.