Luxury Footwear Brand Russell & Bromley Closes Cheltenham Store

Luxury footwear brand Russell & Bromley, known for its high-end shoes and handbags, has entered administration, leading to the impending closure of its Cheltenham store. This branch, located on the historic Promenade, is one of 36 stores operated by the brand across the UK and Ireland. A banner now displayed in the store window announces a closing sale with all stock reduced by 20%.

Staff members at the Cheltenham location declined to provide comments regarding the closure, and a specific closing date has yet to be disclosed. This development follows the announcement earlier this month that Russell & Bromley had entered administration before being acquired by Next Plc in a transaction valued at £2.5 million.

Administration Details and Future of the Brand

According to a statement on the Russell & Bromley website, Will Wright and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory were appointed as Joint Administrators on January 21, 2026. The administration includes the companies: Russell & Bromley Limited, Russell & Bromley Online Limited, and Farwig Limited. The statement confirms that the brand, along with retail operations in the Bluewater, Chelsea, and Mayfair stores, will now operate under Next Retail Limited.

As part of the restructuring, only three stores will continue trading as Russell & Bromley: two in London, located in Chelsea and Mayfair, and one at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent. This situation leaves 33 stores and nine concessions at risk of closure, impacting approximately 440 employees across the brand.

Impact on Cheltenham Retail Scene

The closure of the Russell & Bromley store coincides with the announcement that the iconic Cavendish House, located just a short distance along the Promenade, will also close at the end of this week after over 200 years in business. Traders within the landmark store expressed their concerns about the impact on the local shopping landscape.

Despite these closures, there are signs of new growth in Cheltenham. The menswear brand Cavani recently opened a new store in the Regent Arcade shopping centre, marking its transition from House of Cavani. This new location has created seven jobs and represents the brand’s 18th location in the UK, with plans to strengthen its presence in the affluent regional market.

Former Love Island star Chris Hughes, an ambassador for Cavani, officially opened the new store, highlighting its commitment to exceptional product quality and customer service. Matthew Ward, the store manager with over 20 years of retail experience, expressed excitement about the opening, stating, “This store represents everything Cavani stands for – exceptional product quality delivered through outstanding customer service.”

The retail landscape in Cheltenham is undergoing significant changes, with established brands facing challenges while new entrants strive to carve out their spaces in a competitive market. The future of retail in this historic town remains dynamic as it adapts to shifting consumer preferences and market conditions.