Russell & Bromley, a well-known footwear specialist, has officially completed the closure of its remaining stores. This announcement was made by the company’s joint administrators from Interpath, Will Wright and Chris Pole, on April 28, 2023.
Final Store Closures Completed
The last of the store closures occurred on April 23, 2023. This followed the initial announcement of ten store closures on April 21, 2023. Prior to these closures, Russell & Bromley employed a total of 320 individuals.
Impact on Employees
Unfortunately, the majority of employees working in the non-transferring stores have lost their jobs. The joint administrators indicated that they are working closely with affected staff, offering necessary support during this challenging period. This includes assistance with submitting claims to the redundancy payments service.
Acquisition by Next
The closure of Russell & Bromley’s stores comes after the fashion retailer Next acquired the brand in a £2.5 million pre-pack administration deal on January 21, 2023. This acquisition allowed Next to obtain the Russell & Bromley brand, various intellectual properties, and three locations at Chelsea and Mayfair in London, along with Bluewater shopping centre in Kent.
Communication Issues with Suppliers
Following the acquisition, suppliers reported a lack of communication from Russell & Bromley. Furthermore, reports indicated that administrators at Interpath had made low offers to some suppliers for stock, which were significantly lower than production costs.
The administrators continue to manage the remaining aspects of the business and will provide updates as necessary. The phased closure of Russell & Bromley marks the end of a significant chapter for the brand in the retail landscape.
