Russell & Bromley UK Stores Face Closure: Scotland Impacted

A HISTORIC shoe chain with two stores across Scotland is on the brink of closure. The family-owned firm could vanish from the high street as a takeover deal is in talks. Luxury footwear brand Russell & Bromley is reportedly set to close all of its UK stores, leaving more than 450 people at risk of losing their jobs. The retailer has been selling classy kicks and other accessories to shoppers up and down the country since 1880. 37 Russell & Bromley stores are at risk of going bust including two in Scotland, one in Northern Ireland, one in Ireland and the remaining 33 in England. Edinburgh’s St James Quarter, which opened in 2021, is home to one of the branches. While the other is located in the middle of Glasgow‘s bustling Buchanan Street. High street giant Next is reportedly eyeing up the chain but it is only after its name and intellectual property. This means that the stores themselves will likely shut for good if the deal goes through. Next is working with a special retail advisory firm, which will oversee the liquidation of stock and the store closures. However, the Bromley family are divided on what should happen to the chain. Some “are pushing for a deal with a private equity company that has pledged to preserve the retailer’s stores and jobs”, as reported by The Times. The business could be sold to Auralis, a new group which promises to preserve the existing stores. Current CEO Andrew Bromley is thought to prefer the business to stay independent while other family members favour a full sale.