Another prominent retailer has departed Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre, with luxury footwear and handbag shop Russell & Bromley closing its doors permanently. The store, which opened in 2017 as the brand's first Midlands location, has been offering significant reductions on all remaining stock, including its signature loafers, boots, pumps, and brogues renowned for their distinctive craftsmanship.
Luxury Retail Exit Leaves Void in Birmingham
The closure comes after the retailer's owners collapsed into administration in January 2026, putting 36 stores across the UK at risk. While a deal with Next saved just three shops, the Bullring location was not among them. Administrators had previously stated they were assessing options for the remaining stores, but this Birmingham outlet has now joined the growing list of closures.
Significant Travel Now Required for Shoppers
With the Bullring store shuttered, the nearest Russell & Bromley outlets are now considerable distances away. Birmingham shoppers must travel approximately two-and-a-half hours to reach alternative locations on King's Road in Chelsea, Oxford Street in Mayfair, or the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. This represents a significant reduction in accessibility for Midlands customers who valued the brand's premium offerings.
Bullring Faces Multiple Retail Departures
Russell & Bromley's exit represents the fourth confirmed closure at Bullring since the beginning of 2026, with the shopping centre experiencing notable turnover in its retail lineup. The SDMN store, which opened with fanfare by YouTube collective Sidemen in late 2024, closed its doors in January 2025 after just over a year of operation.
Additionally, the Three mobile store at Bullring has shuttered, though the brand maintains another Birmingham branch outside the centre. Acai smoothie specialist Oakberry also confirmed its permanent closure in January 2026 after clearing out its kiosk in late 2025, though the company indicated it is searching for a larger Birmingham location with customer seating.
Changing Retail Landscape in Birmingham
These consecutive closures highlight the dynamic nature of Birmingham's retail environment, with Bullring experiencing both departures and anticipated arrivals. While specific details about potential new tenants remain speculative, the shopping centre continues to evolve as consumer habits and retail economics shift in the post-pandemic era.
The loss of Russell & Bromley particularly impacts Birmingham's luxury shopping scene, removing a destination retailer known for quality British footwear and accessories. As administrators continue to manage the brand's remaining estate, Birmingham shoppers face reduced options for premium footwear within convenient reach.
