The future of a beloved British high street name hangs in the balance as Russell & Bromley, the family-owned shoe retailer, faces a potential takeover that could see all its stores vanish.
Takeover Talks Put Stores and Jobs in Jeopardy
According to reports, the Bromley family, which has run the business since its founding in 1880, is in advanced talks with a private equity firm. While this potential buyer has pledged to preserve the retailer's stores and workforce, a rival bid presents a more dire outcome.
High street giant Next and liquidation specialist Retail Realisation have also pursued plans to acquire the brand. Next's interest, however, is reportedly solely in the brand name and its intellectual property, which would almost certainly lead to the closure of all physical shops.
Century-Old Brand and Hundreds of Jobs at Stake
The potential collapse of the chain puts more than 450 employees at risk of redundancy. The business, currently managed by fifth-generation Andrew Bromley, has been a fixture on British high streets since 1880 and counts notable figures like former Prime Minister Theresa May among its customers.
Retail Realisation, the other suitor, is a company linked to Modella Capital and specialises in winding down businesses. Its involvement underscores the severe peril facing the historic retailer.
Full List of Russell & Bromley Stores Facing Closure
Every one of the retailer's 37 locations across the United Kingdom is under threat. The full list of stores at risk is:
- Old Bond Street, Bath
- Ross’s Court, Belfast
- Bullring Shopping Center, Birmingham
- Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent
- Bracknell (Fenwick)
- Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Hendon
- East Street, Brighton
- Grand Arcade, Cambridge
- Canterbury (Fenwick)
- Cheltenham
- Chester
- Colchester (Fenwick)
- Edinburgh St James
- High Street, Exeter
- Buchanan Street, Glasgow
- High Street, Guildford
- James Street, Harrogate
- Kingston upon Thames (Fenwick)
- Victoria Gate, Leeds
- St Ann’s House, Manchester
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Fenwick)
- Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford
- George Street, Richmond
- Tunbridge Wells (Fenwick)
- High Street, Winchester
- York (Fenwick)
- Oxford Street, London
- Brompton Road, London
- Canary Wharf, London
- King’s Road, London
- Regent Street, London
- Long Acre, London
- Stratford, London
- Paddington Square, London
- Hampstead High Street, London
- Westfield London Shopping Centre, London
- Jermyn Street, London
The coming weeks will be critical for the fate of this iconic retailer, its staff, and the shape of high streets across the nation.
