Shoppers are rushing to their local shopping centres as an iconic British shoe chain shuts 10 locations following Next’s acquisition, with clearance sales offering up to 90% off
An iconic British shoe retailer has closed 10 of its branches – triggering a rush of customers eager to secure its deals. Russell & Bromley, which formerly ran 36 high street outlets nationwide and was taken over by Next, has begun an initial round of closures following an administration arrangement.
Shutting its Covent Garden, Bath and Harrogate branches this week, the company is also holding clearance events with 90% off everything. In turn, customers have flocked to social media to showcase the steals they’ve bagged, including a £900 pair of boots for merely £128. TikTok user @ninalisaaa documented her visit, displaying the deals remaining as shelves clear for the final time.
Fellow shopper @lauracathryn said she was eager to browse the Ashford location upon hearing the announcement, noting they have reductions on both this year’s and last year’s collections.
She remarked: “I could not get over the prices. They had shoes for £30 from over £300 – that is a 90% reduction. The amount of stock they have is crazy – I was in shoe heaven.”
Responding to her video, one person commented: “I’m devastated they are closing. My favourite store for work shoes. They last ages!”
Another posted: “I’m sorry, 90%?!?!”
A third person shared: “I’ve just ordered online – we will see.”
List of closed Russell & Bromley stores: The closures follow Next’s acquisition of the British footwear brand through a pre-pack administration deal struck in January this year, which saw the high street giant secure the Russell & Bromley name, additional intellectual property, and three designated stores (Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater).
The deal enabled Next to bring 40 members of staff across to its business.
Russell & Bromley had previously operated across 36 stores with approximately 440 employees, yet now faces the planned shutting of 33 standalone stores and nine concessions throughout the UK and Ireland, according to Drapers.
The brand was established in 1880 by George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell in Eastbourne, building its reputation on iconic loafers, boots, pumps, and brogues.
It garnered a devoted following among numerous high-profile names, including Kate Middleton, Katie Holmes, and Billie Piper. Russell & Bromley had operated from 36 stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland, employing roughly 440 people.
The Daily Express has reached out to Russell & Bromley’s joint administrators Interpath for a response.
