Russell & Bromley is offering steep reductions of up to half price across its remaining outlets as the historic footwear retailer winds down operations following its January administration.
The British shoe chain has launched an “everything must go” clearance event, marking a significant escalation from the 20 per cent reductions introduced at the start of 2025.
Shoppers can now find dramatically reduced prices as the company works through its remaining inventory.
The 145-year-old retailer, which counts the Princess of Wales among its high-profile customers alongside celebrities Katie Holmes and Billie Piper, entered administration earlier this year after years of financial difficulties.
Next stepped in to purchase the business on 21 January, securing three locations in the process.
The retail giant’s acquisition preserved shops in Chelsea, Mayfair and at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent.
However, the deal left 33 stores and nine concessions outside its scope, with these sites continuing to operate under administrator oversight.
The excluded outlets have remained open to customers, though their future beyond the clearance period remains uncertain.
The affected sites are anticipated to remain operational until May, with trading continuing as stock levels gradually diminish
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PAFor the three rescued locations, the takeover by Next offers a lifeline, keeping the Russell & Bromley name on the high street in these prime retail destinations for the foreseeable future.
The affected sites are anticipated to remain operational until May, with trading continuing as stock levels gradually diminish.
During the acquisition, Next managed to rescue 40 workers from job losses by bringing them into its own workforce.
The administration has already resulted in 34 redundancies at the company’s head office.
The administration has already resulted in 34 redundancies at the company’s head office
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PADespite these transfers, a substantial number of employees face an uncertain future, with 320 staff members still at risk of losing their positions.
The ongoing clearance sale represents the final chapter for these remaining locations, as the once-prominent retailer prepares to close its doors permanently at the majority of its sites.
George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell established the company in Eastbourne in 1880, building a reputation that would eventually attract royal and celebrity patronage.
The brand became a favoured choice for prominent figures, with the Princess of Wales, American actress Katie Holmes and singer Billie Piper among its notable customers over the years
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GETTY IMAGESThe brand became a favoured choice for prominent figures, with the Princess of Wales, American actress Katie Holmes and singer Billie Piper among its notable customers over the years.
However, the retailer’s fortunes declined sharply following the coronavirus pandemic.
Weak consumer demand combined with escalating operational costs pushed the business into unprofitability from 2019 onwards.
These persistent financial pressures ultimately proved insurmountable, leading to the administration that has now triggered the widespread store closures and job losses.