Iconic UK shoe chain closes stores and people rush to buy cheap stock | UK | News

Russell & Bromley, which previously operated 36 high street stores across the UK and was acquired by Next, has started a first wave of closures as part of an administration deal.

Closing its Covent Garden, Bath and Harrogate stores this week, the retailer is also launching clearance sales with 90% of everything.

In response, shoppers have taken to social media to share the bargains they’ve come away with, including a £900 pair of boots for just £128.

TikTok user @ninalisaaa recorded her shopping trip, showing the offers left to have as shelves empty for the last time.

Another shopper, @lauracathryn, said she couldn’t wait to shop around the Ashford branch when she heard the news, saying they have sales on both this year and last year’s seasons.

She said: “I could not get over the prices. They had shoes for £30 from over £300 – that is a 90% reduction. The amount of stock they have is crazy – I was in shoe heaven.”

Commenting on her video, one person said: “I’m devastated they are closing. My favourite store for work shoes. They last ages!”

Another added: “I’m sorry, 90%?!?!”

A third person wrote: “I’ve just ordered online – we will see.”

List of closed Russell & Bromley stores:

• Exeter
• Hampstead
• Winchester
• Stratford
• Birmingham
• Jermyn Street
• Canary Wharf
• Swindon outlet
• Ashford outlet
• Cheshire Oaks outlet

The closures come after Next acquired the British footwear brand in a pre-pack administration deal in January this year, which saw the fashion retailer snap up the Russell & Bromley brand, other intellectual property, and three specific stores (Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater).

Next was able to transfer 40 employees to its company during its deal.

Russell & Bromley previously operated from 36 stores with around 440 employees, yet now faces planned closures of 33 standalone stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland, Drapers added.

The brand was founded back in 1880 by George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell in Eastbourne and became famous for signature loafers, boots, pumps, and brogues.

It was popular among many big names including the Kate Middleton, Katie Holmes, and Billie Piper. Russell & Bromley traded from 36 stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland, and employed around 440 people.

The Daily Express has contacted Russell & Bromley’s joint administrators Interpath for comment.