The iconic British shoe shop loved by Kate Middleton is reportedly expected to be acquired in a joint takeover.
A beloved British shoe shop is reportedly on the brink of vanishing from our high streets for good. The decline in footfall and the surge in online shopping have made it challenging for some businesses to maintain profits, leading to an increasing number of once-popular chains shutting down each year.
Russell & Bromley could be next in line. This 150 year old shoe store, renowned for its premium leather footwear and accessories, is expected to have its intellectual property acquired by Next, according to reports by The Telegraph.
If this happens, it will make continued trading ‘complex’.
Retail behemoth Next is also anticipated to acquire the brand itself as part of a joint takeover with Retail Realisation, a liquidation specialist associated with Modella Capital – owner of the former WH Smith high street chain.
With Next securing these two crucial parts of the business, Russell & Bromley would no longer be able to operate under that brand name, which could make survival difficult, reports the Express.
Retail Realisation will then reportedly oversee the closure of the remaining 37 stores in the chain, as well as a fire sale of stock. It’s estimated that around 450 jobs are at risk.
This isn’t the first time Modella has stepped in to rescue struggling stores. In 2025, the company took over Claire’s Accessories, WH Smith and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS).
Currently, it also owns the arts and crafts store Hobbycraft.
Russell & Bromley, which suffered a £9m loss in 2024, had unveiled a five-year recovery strategy dubbed ‘Re-Boot’. The plan included expanding its footprint to new areas such as the Middle East.
The chain is presently owned by fifth-generation family member Andrew Bromley. It was originally established back in 1880 in Sussex, and throughout its history, it has introduced a number of iconic shoe styles to UK shoppers.
One of the most renowned is the timeless Chester loafer, recognised for its unique fringing and tassel detailing.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is a long-standing admirer of the brand, often spotted wearing shoes from various collections. Doctor Who star Billie Piper is the current face of Russell & Bromley – marking its first ever celebrity campaign face, as announced in 2025.
