Next Acquires Russell & Bromley Amid Uncertain Future for Remaining Stores

High street fashion retailer Next plc has acquired the luxury footwear brand Russell & Bromley from administration for £2.5 million, alongside an additional £1.3 million for existing stock. This deal, finalized on January 21, 2026, allows Next to take ownership of the Russell & Bromley brand, its intellectual property, and three of its 36 stores located in Chelsea, Mayfair, and the Bluewater Shopping Centre. However, the future of the remaining 33 stores and nine concession outlets, which employ approximately 440 people, remains uncertain as they are not included in the acquisition.

Next buys Russell & Bromley out of administration as 33 shops face uncertaintyUncertain future for 33 Russell & Bromley shops after Next buys shoe chainNext Buyout Saves Footwear Brand Russell & BromleyNext buyout saves footwear brand Russell & Bromley but 400 jobs likely to be lostNext buys luxury footwear brand - list of store locations staying openNext buys shoe brand Russell & Bromley but 400 jobs still at riskNext buys Russell & Bromley, but 33 stores at riskNext Plc Buys British Footwear Brand Russell & Bromley for 2.5 Million Pounds in CashNext buys Russell & Bromley for £3.8m — and leaves 33 stores facing an uncertain future

Founded in 1879 in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Russell & Bromley has a long history as a family-owned business specializing in premium footwear and accessories. Despite its heritage, the brand has struggled financially in recent years, with reported sales declining and operating losses widening. In the year ending December 31, 2024, the company experienced a 9% drop in revenue, amounting to £56.5 million, alongside an operating loss of £9 million.

Next Buyout Saves Footwear Brand Russell & Bromley

Next stated that the acquisition secures the future of a "much-loved British footwear brand" and aims to provide the operational stability necessary for Russell & Bromley to return to its core mission of designing and curating premium footwear and accessories. Andrew Bromley, the chief executive of Russell & Bromley, described the decision to sell as "difficult" but necessary for the brand's long-term viability. Will Wright, the UK chief executive of Interpath, the firm managing the administration process, emphasized the importance of preserving the brand's legacy and craftsmanship.

Next buys Russell & Bromley, but 33 stores at riskNext buyout saves footwear brand Russell & Bromley but 400 jobs likely to be lostNext Buyout Saves Footwear Brand Russell & BromleyUncertain future for 33 Russell & Bromley shops after Next buys shoe chainNext Plc Buys British Footwear Brand Russell & Bromley for 2.5 Million Pounds in CashNext buys Russell & Bromley out of administration as 33 shops face uncertaintyNext buys shoe brand Russell & Bromley but 400 jobs still at riskNext buys luxury footwear brand - list of store locations staying openNext buys Russell & Bromley for £3.8m — and leaves 33 stores facing an uncertain future

Despite the positive outlook from Next, the acquisition has raised concerns regarding the potential job losses and store closures. Reports indicate that around 400 jobs are at risk due to the exclusion of the majority of Russell & Bromley's stores from the deal. Critics argue that while Next's acquisition may stabilize the brand, it does not address the immediate job security of the employees affected by the closures.

Next buys Russell & Bromley out of administration as 33 shops face uncertainty

There is some discrepancy regarding the number of jobs at risk, with sources reporting figures ranging from 400 to 440. Additionally, while Next has expressed intentions to support Russell & Bromley, the lack of detailed plans for the remaining stores has left many employees and stakeholders anxious about their future.

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

The administrators at Interpath are currently exploring options for the remaining stores, which will continue to operate while assessments are made. The outcome of this review will be crucial in determining whether these locations will be sold, closed, or restructured, impacting the livelihoods of many employees.

Next buys shoe brand Russell & Bromley but 400 jobs still at risk

In summary, while Next's acquisition of Russell & Bromley represents a strategic move to preserve a historic brand, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the majority of its stores and the associated job losses highlights the challenges facing the retail sector in a volatile economic environment.

Next buys Russell & Bromley out of administration as 33 shops face uncertainty