Next in talks to acquire or invest in family-owned shoe chain Russell & Bromley
Next is reportedly among several suitors in discussions to acquire or invest in Russell & Bromley, a 145-year-old shoe retailer. The talks, which involve multiple parties, come amid a cautious economic climate and peak Christmas trading period. Russell & Bromley, founded in 1880 in Eastbourne and currently led by Andrew Bromley of the fifth generation, operates 37 stores and employs more than 450 people. The company has engaged Interpath to explore options for raising new financing. Billie Piper is featured as the brand’s frontline figure as part of a five-year turnaround strategy. Next, with a market capitalisation of about £16.6bn, has grown through acquisitions including Cath Kidston, Joules, and Seraphine, and owns Made.com and FatFace. It also provides logistics, e-commerce, and digital services through its Total Platform, partnering with brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Gap. Any potential deal with Russell & Bromley could take the form of a full acquisition or a minority investment, although Next has declined to comment, and neither Russell & Bromley nor Interpath were available for comment. In October, Andrew Bromley referenced the Re Boot vision, signaling plans to advance Russell & Bromley into its next phase.
