The closing down sale has now begun at this Manchester shopping institution, bringing to an end over 40 years of trading in the city centre location.

16:21, 24 Feb 2026Updated 16:56, 24 Feb 2026

A closing down sale has now started at the long-standing Russell & Bromley shoe store in Manchester city centre(Image: MEN)

One of Manchester’s longest-running shops has started its closing down sale, after renowned shoemakers Russell & Bromley collapsed into administration.

The future of the iconic Manchester branch of the retailer, just off St Ann’s Square, had been in doubt since the announcement that administrators had been appointed in January.

Retail giant Next has acquired the brand name, domain names, and intellectual property of Russell & Bromley in a rescue deal that will see the brand continue on in the future. But it has only confirmed to take on three of the physical stores – in Mayfair and Chelsea in London and at the Bluewater shopping mall in Kent, with all other UK stores under the control of the administrators.

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Now, it appears the future of the Manchester city centre site is sealed, with large yellow “Closing Down Sale” posters placed into the windows. Inside the shop, stock is being sold off with at least 30 per cent off or more, and more signs state: “Store closing down”.

The closing down sale inside the Russell & Bromley store in Manchester(Image: MEN)

The shop has had its iconic spot on the corner of St Ann’s Place and St Ann Street for over 40 years. At its peak, the shop enjoyed a larger footprint onto St Ann’s Place where the men’s shoe department used to be.

There also used to be a basement floor where the children’s shoe department had been located. But in recent years the retailer had concentrated in the corner ground floor unit looking out to St Ann’s Square.

There have been a programme of works taking place at the shop building, St Ann’s House, in recent weeks, with the former canopy at Russell & Bromley removed, and temporary signs in its place. Now, the entire front windows of the store have been pasted with the large yellow posters announcing that the store is closing down.

Russell & Bromley has 36 stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland, but Next has only confirmed it will save three of its shops – in Chelsea, Mayfair and the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent – as part of the rescue deal.

Signs say “Store Closing Down” at the iconic Russell & Bromley shop in Manchester(Image: MEN)

As a result, the future of the Manchester store and the other 32 stores and nine concessions had been plunged into uncertainty, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

Administrators at Interpath said last month they are “still exploring options for the remaining stores and concessions”, which are continuing to trade. The MEN has contacted Next and the administrators for further comment about the future of the Manchester store.

In its statement last month, Next said: “This acquisition secures the future of a much-loved British footwear brand. Next intends to build on this legacy and provide the operational stability and expertise to support Russell & Bromley’s next chapter, allowing it to return to its core mission: the design and curation of world-class, premium footwear and accessories for many years to come.”

The footwear and handbags specialist was founded in 1879 in Sussex, before beginning its expansion in prominent locations across the UK. It was known for its luxury offerings and plush stores.

A sale is underway inside the Manchester store(Image: MEN)

Andrew Bromley, chief executive of Russell & Bromley, said in announcing the takeover last month: “Following a strategic review with external advisers, we have taken the difficult decision to sell the Russell & Bromley brand. This is the best route to secure the future for the brand, and we would like to thank our staff, suppliers, partners and customers for their support throughout our history.”

Will Wright, Interpath’s UK chief executive, said: “Across its 147-year history, Russell & Bromley has been at the forefront of contemporary style. We’re pleased therefore to have concluded this transaction, which will preserve the brand and the commitment to quality craftmanship that it has become so well known for.

“Our intention is to continue to trade the remaining portfolio of stores for as long as we can, while we explore the options available.”

In Next’s statement to customers about the takeover on its website, it says: “While the previous operator has ceased trading, the Russell & Bromley brand will be operated by NEXT in the near future. In the interim, former Russell & Bromley customers are welcome to shop with NEXT.”

Next has also confirmed that shoppers will no longer be able to use Russell & Bromley gift vouchers or Loyalty Points in stores. It has directed any questions from customers on the situation to contact Interpath.