‘Iconic’ 150-year-old shoe shop could disappear from UK high street

An iconic British shoe shop is in danger of disappearing from our high streets forever, according to new reports. Decreased footfall and the rise of online shopping has made it difficult for some businesses to sustain profits, with more and more once-popular chains closing each year. 

And next on the list could be Russell & Bromley. This 150-year-old shoe store, known for its high-quality leather footwear and accessories, is expected to have its intellectual property acquired by Next, according to reports by The Telegraph. If this happens, it will make it ‘complex’ to continue trading. 

Retail giant Next is also expected to acquire the brand as part of a joint takeover with Retail Realisation, a liquidation specialist linked to Modella Capital – owner of the former WH Smith high street chain.

With Next aquiring these two key parts of the business, Russell & Bromley would no longer be able to carry that brand name, which could make it a struggle to keep afloat. 

Retail Realisation will then reportedly handle the closure of the chain’s 37 stores left, as well as a fire sale of stock. It’s estimated that there are around 450 jobs at risk. 

This isn’t the first time that Modella has stepped in to acquire struggling stores. In 2025, the company took over Claire’s Accessories, WH Smith and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS). Currently, it also owns the arts and crafts store Hobbycraft.

Russell & Bromley, which faced a £9m loss in 2024, had set out a turnaround plan called ‘Re-Boot’ which was set to last five years. Expansion to other areas, such as the Middle East, was laid out in this proposal. 

The chain is currently run by fifth-generation family member Andrew Bromley. It was originally founded back in 1880 in Sussex, and across its legacy, it has introduced a number of iconic shoe styles to UK shoppers. 

One of the most famous is the Chester loafer, with its distinct fringing and tassel detailing. 

Kate Middleton is a long-time fan of the brand, and has frequently been snapped wearing shoes from various collections. Doctor Who actor Billie Piper is the current face of Russell & Bromley – its first celebrity campaign face ever, as announced in 2025.