Russell & Bromley will return to Westgate Oxford on 3 September, making the city one of the first locations in the footwear brand’s physical retail comeback.
At a glance
| Retailer | Russell & Bromley |
| Opening date | Thursday 3 September 2026 |
| Location | Westgate Oxford, Queen Street, Oxford, OX1 1PE |
| Store position | The brand is returning to its previous location within Westgate Oxford |
| Owner | Next |
| What it sells | Footwear, handbags and accessories |
| Opening hours | Not yet announced |
| Important customer information | Gift cards and loyalty points issued by the former Russell & Bromley business cannot be used |
| Westgate information | Visit the Westgate Oxford website |
Russell & Bromley is set to reopen at Westgate Oxford just months after the former business entered administration and most of its national store estate closed.
The footwear and accessories brand will return to its previous Westgate location on Thursday 3 September under the ownership of Next.
Westgate Oxford says it has been selected as one of the first locations for the revived brand’s return to physical retail.
The announcement will be welcomed by shoppers who used the former Oxford store, although the new business under Next ownership is legally and operationally distinct from the Russell & Bromley company that entered administration in January.
What happened to Russell & Bromley?
The former Russell & Bromley operating company entered administration on 21 January 2026 following a period of difficult trading.
Next acquired the Russell & Bromley name, domain names and intellectual property through an insolvency process. It paid £2.5 million for the brand and selected assets, together with a further £1.3 million for part of the company’s stock.
At the time, Russell & Bromley traded from 36 stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland and employed around 440 people.
Next acquired three stores as part of the transaction: Oxford Street and King’s Road in London, and Bluewater in Kent.
The remaining 33 stores and nine concessions, including the former Oxford shop, were not included in the initial transaction. Those locations remained under the control of administrators while their future was considered and subsequently closed.
Next’s annual report now lists Russell & Bromley among its wholly owned brands and confirms that it owns the brand name, domain and intellectual property.
Oxford chosen for the brand’s high street return
The Westgate reopening marks a new stage in Next’s attempt to rebuild Russell & Bromley as both an online and physical retail brand.
Oxford has been chosen as one of the early locations for the revived store network, with the brand returning to the unit it previously occupied within the shopping centre.
Clare Martin, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “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.”
What will the new Oxford store sell?
Russell & Bromley is best known for men’s and women’s footwear, alongside handbags and accessories.
The precise range planned for the new Westgate store has not yet been announced. Opening hours, customer services and details of any launch events or introductory offers have also not been published.
Shoppers should therefore check the Westgate Oxford and Russell & Bromley pages closer to 3 September before making a special journey.
The brand is already appearing within Next’s online footwear selection, indicating that Next is using its existing retail, ecommerce and distribution network as part of the relaunch.
Can old Russell & Bromley gift cards be used?
Customers should be aware that gift cards and loyalty points issued by the former Russell & Bromley business cannot be used in the reopened store.
Next’s official customer guidance says the old gift cards and points cannot be honoured following the appointment of administrators.
The announcement of the new Oxford store does not change the status of those previous cards or points.
Customers of the former business
| Old gift cards | Cannot be used or honoured by Next |
| Old loyalty points | Cannot be used |
| Outstanding order or refund | Contact the administrators at russellandbromleycreditors@interpath.com |
| Faulty item bought before 21 January | Claims should be directed to the administrators |
| New store purchases | New returns, payment and customer-service arrangements are expected to be published by the relaunched business |
Customers who paid for goods that were not delivered may also wish to check whether their credit or debit card provider offers purchase protection.
A notable return for Oxford retail
The reopening restores a familiar name to Westgate Oxford and provides an unusual example of a brand returning to the same shopping centre shortly after the closure of its former operation.
Physical stores remain an important part of footwear retail because customers often want to compare sizes, fits and materials before buying.
For Next, the Oxford location offers an opportunity to test how the Russell & Bromley name performs under new ownership while retaining an established connection with local shoppers.
The reopening also adds to Westgate’s recent programme of new arrivals and returning brands, as the centre continues to balance established national retailers with leisure, food and independent businesses.
No information has yet been released about the number of jobs created by the new store.
About the Russell & Bromley brand
Russell & Bromley traces its roots to 1879 and developed a reputation for premium footwear, leather goods and accessories.
The brand remained family-owned for much of its history before its financial difficulties and sale to Next.
Next has acquired or invested in several other established brands in recent years, including Made, Cath Kidston, Joules and FatFace.
Its annual report says wholly owned brands are run through distinct teams, with the aim of preserving their individual identity while using Next’s sourcing, online retail and distribution infrastructure.
Planning a visit
| Opening date | Thursday 3 September 2026 |
| Shopping centre | Westgate Oxford |
| Address | Queen Street, Oxford, OX1 1PE |
| Store location | The former Russell & Bromley unit within Westgate |
| Opening hours | Still to be confirmed |
| Getting there | Westgate is within walking distance of Oxford railway station and city-centre bus stops |
| Parking | Underground parking is available at Westgate, although Park & Ride may be easier at busy times |
| Latest information | westgateoxford.co.uk |
FAQs
When is Russell & Bromley reopening in Oxford?
The new store is due to open at Westgate Oxford on Thursday 3 September 2026.
Where will the store be?
Russell & Bromley will return to its previous location within Westgate Oxford.
Who owns Russell & Bromley now?
Next owns the Russell & Bromley brand name, domain names and intellectual property.
Did Next buy the whole former company?
No. Next acquired the brand, selected stock and three stores. The other 33 stores and nine concessions were not included in the original transaction and later closed.
Will old Russell & Bromley gift cards work?
No. Next’s official guidance says gift cards and loyalty points issued by the former business cannot be used or honoured.
What should customers do about an old order or refund?
Customers with an outstanding order, refund or faulty-item claim dating from before the administration should contact the administrators at russellandbromleycreditors@interpath.com.
What will the new store sell?
Russell & Bromley is known for men’s and women’s footwear, handbags and accessories. The exact Oxford product range has not yet been announced.
What are the opening hours?
Opening hours have not yet been published. Shoppers should check Westgate Oxford closer to the opening date.
Will more Russell & Bromley stores reopen?
Westgate Oxford says it is one of the first locations selected for reopening, suggesting further stores may follow. A complete new store programme has not yet been announced.
