Russell and Bromley sale: UK footwear firm's stores may disappear from high streets next amid clearance sales
Shoppers may spot discounts or closing-down sales as a takeover of the footwear brand is explored 👟
- Russell & Bromley has been linked to takeover talks involving retail giant Next
- But the deal may focus on the brand name rather than keeping high street shops open
- Clearance specialists are involved, raising speculation about store closures
- Similar Next takeovers have previously led to shops closing and brands moving online
- Shoppers could see changes to where and how they buy Russell & Bromley products
Shoppers could soon see changes on the high street as Russell & Bromley becomes the latest well-known fashion name caught up in takeover talks, raising the prospect of store closures and potential clearance sales.
The upmarket shoe and accessories retailer, best known for its leather boots, loafers and handbags, has attracted interest from retail giant Next, according to reports from Sky News.
But any deal is unlikely to be straightforward, and may not protect Russell & Bromley’s physical stores.
What’s happening?
Next is understood to be working alongside stock clearance specialist Retail Realisation as it explores a possible takeover.
Industry sources suggest this partnership signals that Next’s primary interest lies in Russell & Bromley’s brand name and intellectual property, rather than its existing stock or its estate of high street shops.
That distinction matters for shoppers. When brands are bought for their name rather than their stores, it often leads to branches closing and remaining stock being sold off at discounted prices.
While no formal administration has been announced, the involvement of advisers and clearance specialists has fuelled speculation that ’s current retail footprint may not survive intact.
The process is being overseen by financial advisory firm Interpath, which is reportedly weighing up several proposals for the business. Next has not publicly commented on its interest.
Will Russell & Bromley stores close?
If the brand were to be sold without its stores, shoppers could see a familiar pattern play out: physical shops closing, clearance sales appearing in remaining branches, and the Russell & Bromley name living on primarily online or through concessions inside other retailers.
This approach would be consistent with Next’s recent strategy. The company has increasingly focused on acquiring struggling fashion brands for their branding and customer loyalty, rather than taking on costly shop estates.
Earlier this year, Next acquired the intellectual property of maternity brand Seraphine after it fell into administration. It has also been linked with a potential cut-price bid for luxury fashion retailer LK Bennett, which filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators in December.
In both cases, sources suggested Next had little appetite for keeping physical stores open, particularly where estates are small or expensive to run.
What comes next?
While nothing has been confirmed, takeover talks often precede changes that affect where and how shoppers can buy from a brand. If store closures do follow, clearance events could offer discounts on footwear that typically commands premium prices.
For now, Russell & Bromley stores remain open as normal. But with high street costs rising and major retailers prioritising online and brand-led growth, the future of its shops may be far from guaranteed.