Fashion retailer back from the dead in shock UK high street return

Shoe retailer Russell & Bromley will be returning to Westgate Oxford later this year, following its nationwide administration earlier in 2026.

The 150-year-old footwear brand was acquired by Next as part of a rescue deal in January 2026, with 33 stores forced to close.

The company entered administration in January after struggling with rising costs and a challenging retail market.

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Next subsequently agreed a rescue deal worth £3.8 million, acquiring the Russell & Bromley brand, intellectual property and selected assets.

While the deal secured the future of the famous footwear label, only three stores were initially retained, with 33 stores and nine concessions left outside the transaction and facing an uncertain future.

Administrators later oversaw a phased closure programme for the remaining stores, resulting in hundreds of redundancies as the retailer dramatically scaled back its physical estate.

Among these was the lower ground floor store at the Westgate which shut earlier this year, leaving the unit close to John Lewis empty.

Now, it’s good news for Oxford shoppers as Russell & Bromley is confirmed to making its return back to the shopping centre.

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In the somewhat surprising move, the brand will be coming back to its previous location within Westgate Oxford and opening next month.

Clare Martin, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, commented: “The return of Russell & Bromley is brilliant news, and we’re delighted that Westgate Oxford has been chosen as one of the first locations for reopening.

“Russell & Bromley has always been a popular brand among our guests and it’s a great part of our retail mix.

“We look forward to seeing the store reopen later this year.”

The official opening date has been confirmed to be Thursday, September 3, with shoppers to be welcomed back.