Philip Browne in Norwich to shutter following Frasers Group acquisition
Premium Norwich menswear independent Philip Browne is to close down in mid-December after 38 years in business.
It follows on from Frasers Group acquiring the business from JD Sports in March 2023, and also the Frasers Group-owned Flannels (which it acquired in 2017) opening a 20,000 sq ft store at Chantry Place in Norwich at the end of April 2024 – stocking similar luxury fashion and contemporary streetwear brands to what Philip Browne was renowned for.
That seems to have sealed the fate of Philip Browne, a business that started in 1986 by the charismatic founder of the same name, who was a key player in bringing the likes of Alexander McQueen to the market and a loyal Vivienne Westwood stockist.
Top-end brands such as Moncler, Canada Goose and Belstaff have also all been stocked by Philip Browne in recent years, and there is now an up to 70% off clearance Sale in-store, though the website is being redirected to another of Frasers Group’s acquisitions, 18montrose.
The Philip Browne store is located at 3 Guildhall Hill in Norwich, on the corner next to the old library building where it moved to in 2011. The future of the premises is as yet unknown.
When Flannels opened its new Norwich store earlier this year, Lauren Barrie, Group Head of Luxury and Premium Retail at Frasers Group, said: “We’re really proud to open our next regional boutique in the heart of Norwich.
“As we continue to expand and develop our vision, the store brings to life the Flannels brand in a physical space – providing an engaging shopping destination, with the biggest brands in luxury fashion and contemporary streetwear all under one roof.”
Unfortunately for Philip Browne, it seems it was not part of that “vision”. It’s another of the UK’s once finest menswear independents whose fate has landed in the hands of Frasers Group.
The Mike Ashley-owned business has been hoovering up multi-brand retailers in recent times, including Thackerays in Northampton earlier this year, Zee & Co in London and Essex, John Anthony in Bristol and Bath and Aphrodite in Sunderland, among others.
As more Flannels stores are rolled out across the UK, the luxury and premium retail landscape continues to be consolidated.
Frasers Group has been contacted for comment.
