Popular shoe chain enters administration with £37.5m owed to creditors as stores close

A well-loved British shoe retailer has collapsed into administration . Russell & Bromley is one of Britain's best-known footwear and accessories brands, with a history stretching back more than 150 years.

The retailer is particularly known for its premium leather shoes, loafers, boots and handbags, as well as its classic British style. The company dates back to 1873, when George Bromley joined the Russell shoemaking family. The first shop to trade under the Russell & Bromley name opened in Eastbourne in 1880.

Over the decades, the business grew from a traditional shoemaker into an upmarket retailer, establishing a particularly strong presence in London. Its Bond Street store opened in 1947, helping to reinforce its reputation as a luxury British footwear brand.

For generations, the company was owned and run by the Bromley family, becoming a familiar name on the British high street.

However, Russell & Bromley's unsecured creditors are reportedly owed £37.5million, according to a progress report compiled by administrators, Interpath .

However, the brand underwent a major change in 2026. Russell & Bromley entered administration on January 21, before fashion and homeware giant Next acquired the brand in a pre-pack administration deal. Companies House currently lists Russell & Bromley Limited as being in administration.

The move came after a difficult period for the retailer, which had already reduced its store estate. Under the deal, Next took control of the Russell & Bromley brand and selected assets, marking a new chapter for the historic British footwear name.

The chain has shut all of its stores apart from three flagship branches, which are now under new ownership.

The report covers the period between this date and July 20, reports the Express .

The report states: "Based on current estimates, we anticipate that unsecured creditors may receive a dividend."

It hinges on the "realisation of assets and payment of associated assets".

The claim from secondary preferential creditor HMRC amounts to £2.8million.

Both creditors are expected to be "paid in full" when it is "reasonably practicable".

The sole secured creditor, NatWest bank, reportedly has no outstanding money owed.