Next news and archive

Thousands of Next staff win equal pay battle

Following a six-year legal battle, thousands of Next employees have won the right for equal pay and are therefore in line to receive what could be thousands of pounds in compensation. Over 3,500 current and former staff of the British retailer are among the claimants to receive owed back-pay that reportedly amounts to more than 30 million...

BusinessFeatured

Next increases profit forecast by 20 million pounds

In the second quarter, full price sales at Next plc were up 3.2 percent versus last year, exceeding the company’s expectations by 42 million pounds. The company had forecasted that sales in the second quarter would be down 0.3 percent. Next raises full year profit outlook Next has increased profit guidance for the full year by 20 million pounds...

Fashion

AllSaints expands licensed product ranges

British fashion retailer AllSaints is launching five new licensed product ranges in 2024, as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. The licensed product launches include eyewear, kidswear, fragrances, men’s tailoring and underwear, and are being introduced to expand the reach of the AllSaints brands. Catherine Jobling, chief operating...

Business

The Body Shop: Marks & Spencer and Next among interested parties as sale edges closer

Following its initial collapse in February, a sales process for The Body Shop is reportedly in sight, with administrators having already expressed optimism regarding the interest received. Among the alleged potential bidders are that of Marks & Spencer and Next, two British retail giants that are believed to have already submitted early interest...

Fashion |In Pictures

Cath Kidston unveils collaboration with Paddington

British brand Cath Kidston has unveiled a limited-edition collaboration with much-loved children’s character Paddington Bear. The Cath Kidston x Paddington collection, launching on May 15, is the first chapter in a bespoke series crafted for the marmalade-eating bear exploring Paddington’s favourite London spots. The intricate, hand-painted...

Business

Next Q1 sales increase, maintains profit outlook

In the first quarter, full price sales at Next were up 5.7 percent versus last year, slightly ahead of the previous outlook of an increase of 5 percent. Maintaining its sales and profit guidance for the full year, the company said in a statement that it continues to expect group profit before tax to be 960 million pounds, up 4.6 percent and...

Fashion |In Pictures

Laura Ashley relaunches fashion

Home and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley is returning to fashion this month with a 47-piece spring/summer collection inspired by the brand’s archive. The relaunch is a partnership between Laura Ashley and fashion retailer Next and was facilitated by IMG, Laura Ashley’s licensing representative for fashion in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand...

Business

US operator reportedly joins Ted Baker takeover race with Next and Frasers Group

OSL, the US operator of Ted Baker, has reportedly joined the line up of interested parties eyeing the struggling retailer’s European business after its UK arm collapsed into administration in March. According to Sky News, OSL is the “leading contender” to take over the brand’s British operations, a move that would come a year on from when the...

Business

Next to open stores in India through new Myntra deal

British retail giant Next is building on its existing relationship with fashion e-commerce company Myntra as it looks to expand on its presence in India. Through the deal, Next has handed over its distribution and management rights to Myntra Jabong Pvt. Ltd., which will be responsible for distributing the retailer’s range of products while...

BusinessFeatured

Next reports ‘record high’ revenue, prepares for overseas growth

British retailer Next issued its full year results for 2023, during which it saw “record high” pre-tax profits rising 5 percent to 918 million pounds, three million pounds above the guidance given in January. The uptick was largely led by online sales, which saw profits rise 11 percent compared to retail’s 4 percent growth. The company's...

People

Next Beauty CEO reportedly exits

The chief executive officer of Next Beauty, Amanda Scott, is understood to have stepped down from the role in pursuit of other opportunities. Her departure comes nearly five years on from her initial appointment at the British retail giant, during which time she was credited with overseeing the company’s first steps into the beauty realm. In...

Business

Next and HMV’s Doug Putman among interested parties for The Body Shop

British retailer Next and the owner of music retailer HMV are reportedly among those eyeing a possible takeover of struggling cosmetics chain The Body Shop. Next is understood to have approached administrators to the retailer, FRP Advisory, regarding a possible sale of assets, according to sources for Sky News. Meanwhile, though HMV’s Doug...