Russell & Bromley has re-established a presence at the Westgate centre in Oxford after the footwear chain underwent a nationwide administration process earlier in the year.
The heritage brand, which was established in Sussex in 1873, became part of Next’s portfolio following a £3.8 million rescue agreement executed in January.
The acquisition preserved the Russell & Bromley name and certain assets, though 33 outlets were shuttered as part of the restructuring.
The Oxford location welcomed customers back on Thursday, occupying its former premises in the lower ground floor area adjacent to the John Lewis department store.
The unit had been vacant since the chain’s temporary closure during the administration period.
Centre director Clare Martin described the development as positive for the shopping complex.
Martin noted that the retailer had maintained strong appeal among visitors and represented an important component of the centre’s retail offering.
The reopening marks one of the earliest restorations of the brand following the administration process.
The business entered administration in January, citing mounting expenses and difficulties within the retail sector.
While the acquisition by Next ensured the label’s survival, only three branches initially remained operational.
Administrators subsequently arranged a gradual shutdown of the remaining estate, resulting in significant job losses as the company reduced its physical footprint considerably.
Prior to its Westgate establishment, Russell & Bromley operated from premises on Ship Street within St Michael’s Mansions near Cornmarket until 2017.
Those facilities have since been transformed, currently hosting the Jericho Cheese Company and NewGround Coffee cafe.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a new fashion retailer at the Westgate centre.
Spanish brand Bershka is set to launch its inaugural Oxfordshire outlet later this year, occupying an 11,000 square foot space on the upper ground floor between H&M and Urban Outfitters near the main entrance.
The unit previously housed River Island, which ceased operations in January.
Signage has begun appearing at the site.
Bershka, owned by the Inditex conglomerate, was established in 1998 targeting style-conscious young consumers engaged with contemporary music, digital platforms and social media.
The brand’s women’s collections encompass the main Bershka line featuring trend-driven garments alongside BSK, which draws inspiration from pop culture.
Bershka Man provides casual and athletic apparel options.
The Oxford store will additionally stock accessories and footwear ranges.