Premium indie Philip Browne to close after Frasers buyout

The menswear retailer opened in 1986 as the brainchild of its eponymous owner, with a vision "to provide the city with high-end fashion within a friendly, inspiring environment".

It prides itself for being able to spot the emerging designers, having sold the first collections of Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano. The retailer currently stocks brands including Moncler, Salomon, Canada Goose, Adidas, Snow Peak and Asics.

Frasers Group acquired Philip Browne last March from JD Sports Fashion, which bought the business from its founder in May 2022.

Drapers understands that the store remains trading currently but is expected to shut down next month.

It is unclear what Frasers' plans are for the retail unit at 3 Guildhall Hill in Norwich city centre. In April, Frasers opened the doors to its new 20,000 sq ft Flannels store in Chantry Place shopping centre nearby.

Frasers has continued to snap up fashion independents this year including Northampton’s Thackerays and Sunderland’s Aphrodite, both of which have since closed.

Meanwhile, five-store premium menswear independent John Anthony, which was taken over by Frasers Group in December, has since closed three of five sites in Southampton, Swindon and Bournemouth.

Premium independent Zee & Co has also closed one of its three branches on London's Roman Road following Frasers Group's takeover in December.

When asked about its acquisition strategy and independent shops, CFO Chris Wootton told Drapers in July: “Pre-Flannels [which Frasers acquired in 2017], the luxury market in the UK was boutiques. We have become more of a national retailer. That does include acquiring some of these boutiques.

“If they are in the right locations, I can see more of it happening, but we will take on a case-by-case basis.”

Frasers Group declined to comment on Philip Browne's closure.