Philip Browne, a distinguished menswear retailer, is closing after 38 years.
- Opened in 1986, it became known for introducing top designers.
- Frasers Group acquired it from JD Sports Fashion, which had owned it briefly.
- The closure aligns with recent shutdowns post-Frasers acquisitions.
- Frasers Group did not comment on the future plans for the site.
Philip Browne, a renowned menswear retailer in Norwich, is set to close its doors after a legacy spanning 38 years. This decision follows its acquisition by Frasers Group last year, marking the end of an era for the store known for its unique contribution to fashion. The store was originally founded in 1986 with a mission to bring high-end fashion to a vibrant and friendly environment. It quickly gained a reputation for identifying emerging talent, showcasing first collections from designers like Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, and John Galliano.
The store, which stocks esteemed brands including Moncler, Salomon, and Adidas, was sold to Frasers Group by JD Sports Fashion in March of the previous year. This sale came only a short time after JD Sports had acquired it from the original founder in May 2022. Despite currently trading, the store is expected to close next month, with no clear indication of what the future holds for its premises at 3 Guildhall Hill, Norwich.
Frasers Group, known for its pattern of acquiring and subsequently closing independent boutiques, has been expanding its portfolio with similar purchases. In addition to Philip Browne, Frasers has recently acquired and closed Northampton’s Thackerays and Sunderland’s Aphrodite. Likewise, the group acquired John Anthony, a five-store menswear independent, with three sites now closed. Frasers Group’s CFO, Chris Wootton, revealed in a conversation with Drapers that their strategy involves evaluating acquisitions of boutiques on a case-by-case basis if they’re strategically located, indicating a potential continuation of this trend.
The future of the Norwich site remains uncertain as Frasers has not disclosed plans for it following the closure of Philip Browne. This closure is part of a broader pattern observed in the group’s recent undertakings, with the transformation of the luxury retail landscape in the UK. Such strategic movements hint at Frasers’ intent to consolidate and strengthen its position as a leading national retailer in the fashion sector.
The closure of Philip Browne underscores Frasers Group’s strategic shift towards a centralized retail model.
