Russell & Bromley has returned to the British high street after its Richmond branch reopened just eight weeks after shutting its doors.
The historic footwear retailer closed the London location in April before the business entered a pre-pack administration arrangement earlier this year.
The Richmond store is now operating under the ownership of Next after the lease for the premises was formally transferred this week.
The reopening marks a significant moment for the brand, which had remained a family-run business until its recent sale.
Next acquired the Russell & Bromley brand in a £2.5million deal finalised in January, taking control of the company name, intellectual property and a limited number of physical stores.
As part of the transaction, Next also secured additional sites in Chelsea, Mayfair and Kent.
The retailer separately committed a further £1.3million to purchase the company's remaining stock. In total, Next acquired three of Russell & Bromley's 36 stores through the administration process.
The agreement also included the company's wider intellectual property portfolio alongside the selected retail locations.
Next said the acquisition had secured "the future of a much-loved British footwear brand".
Russell & Bromley's Richmond store reopens after Next takeover
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The retailer added: "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 remaining 33 Russell & Bromley stores across the UK have now permanently closed under a phased shutdown programme.
Closures have created uncertainty for around 400 employees who worked across the retailer's stores and concession network.
Customers who purchased goods before administrators took control of the company have also faced restrictions on returns and exchanges.
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The administration has already resulted in 34 redundancies at the company's head office | PAA notice displayed at the Richmond branch earlier this year, alongside clearance sale signs, informed customers items bought in store before the appointment of administrators could not be returned or exchanged.
Online returns were also suspended following the administration process.
The deal with Next was designed to preserve parts of the business, although the majority of the store estate and workforce were not included in the rescue agreement.
Russell & Bromley was founded in 1880 when George Bromley and Elizabeth Russell established the business in Eastbourne.
Over the decades the company became known for its premium leather footwear and handbags, attracting customers including Billie Piper, Katie Holmes and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
However, declining consumer demand and rising operating costs placed increasing pressure on the retailer, which last recorded a profit in 2019.
Andrew Bromley, the company's chief executive, said: "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."
Next has previously acquired several struggling British retail brands, including Joules, Cath Kidston and Seraphine.
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