The closure of 33 stores by the British shoe shop chain, Russell & Bromley, has been finalized according to administrators. The closures, which include both stores and concessions not taken over by Next, were completed with the last store shutting down on April 23. Prior to the closures, Russell & Bromley employed 320 staff members, with redundancies being reported by the administrators. The exact number of employees affected by redundancies is yet to be confirmed by the administrators.
In a statement to Drapers, the joint administrators revealed that all stores not part of the transfer to Next were shut down by April 23, resulting in the majority of employees at these stores being made redundant. The administrators are in close contact with affected staff, offering support throughout the process, including assistance with redundancy claims.
The acquisition of Russell & Bromley by Next was announced on January 21 in a £2.5 million pre-pack administration cash deal. Next acquired the Russell & Bromley brand, intellectual property, and three stores, including locations in Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater shopping center in Kent. Established in 1880 by George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell in Eastbourne, Russell & Bromley employed over 450 individuals before entering administration.
Next expressed its commitment to preserving the legacy of the British footwear brand and ensuring its future success. Andrew Bromley, the chief executive of Russell & Bromley, acknowledged the difficult decision to sell the brand but emphasized the move as crucial for securing its future. The statement also extended gratitude to the brand’s stakeholders for their support over the years.
