Next
This coverage explores Next’s business strategy, operations, and performance within the UK retail sector. Reporting covers store and online developments, product ranges, financial results, marketing initiatives, supply chain management, and leadership decisions. With a focus on commercial outcomes and competitive positioning, it provides insights for retail professionals overseeing apparel, home, and multi-channel retail operations.
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Aug- 2024 -27 AugustNews
Today’s news in brief-27/8/24
UK shop prices have fallen for the first time since October 2021, with the BRC-NielsenIQ index reporting deflation of 0.3% in August, down from July’s 0.2% inflation. Non-food items saw a deeper deflation of -1.5%, driven by heavy discounts on summer stock, while food inflation slowed to 2%, with fresh…
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27 AugustDepartment Stores
Over 3,500 Next workers win equal pay claim
More than 3,500 current and former Next employees have won a six-year legal fight for equal pay, with the total amount payable by the retailer estimated to be over £30m.According to Leigh Day, the firm that represented the workers, this marks the first equal pay claim of this type against…
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19 AugustClothing & Shoes
Ted Baker to shutter remaining stores, 500 jobs at risk
The remaining 31 Ted Baker stores will permanently shutter this week, putting more than 500 jobs at risk. According to Sky News, the closures come as talks over a licensing partnership between Frasers Group and Ted Baker’s owner, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), stalled. Ted Baker has already shuttered 15 stores across…
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6 AugustSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s to ‘transform customer experience’ with new AI deal
Sainsbury’s has announced it has signed a seven-year deal with NCR Voyix to help “transform its shopping experience”. The deal will see the supermarket upgrade its checkout technology by rolling out the NCR Voyix Commerce Platform, Point of Sale Solutions (POS) and Next Generation Self-Checkout systems to 22,500 checkouts. Sainsbury’s…
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1 AugustDepartment Stores
Next ups FY profit guidance amid strong summer sales
Next has raised its full-year profit guidance by £20m following a period of strong trading over the summer, as sales exceeded expectations despite the drearier weather. In the second quarter of the year, full price sales were up by 3.2%, exceeding its expectations by £42m. It had initially expected Q2…
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Jul- 2024 -30 JulyFeatures
How retailers can prepare for the golden quarter
This is a pivotal time for retailers. With just months to go until the “golden quarter” running up to Christmas, staff have their hands full showcasing products to buyers and influencers, while IT managers do their best to build resilience into back-end systems ahead of the seasonal surge in web…
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11 JulyHealth & Beauty
British entrepreneur close to Body Shop deal
British entrepreneur Mike Jatania is close to completing a rescue deal for The Body Shop, according to reports from Bloomberg. Jatania is thought to be part of a consortium alongside ex-Molton Brown CEO Charles Denton amongst others. It is believed that the retailer’s new owners are planning to retain all…
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9 JulyNews
Ocado to open third CFC with Aeon
Ocado has announced the continued expansion of its partnership with Aeon with plans to construct a third Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Kuki-Miyashiro, Japan. The grocer entered an exclusive partnership with Aeon in 2019 to develop the online operations of the Aeon Next grocery business using the Ocado Smart Platform…
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2 JulySupermarkets
Sainsbury’s Q1 sales jump 2.6% as it hails market share gains
Sainsbury’s has revealed that its retail sales rose 2.6% and also hailed its market share gains during the 16 weeks ended 22 June 2024. Sales at Sainsbury’s alone rose 4.2%, with grocery sales up 4.8% but its general merchandise and clothing sales dropped 4.3%. The retailer stated that the sales drop…
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1 JulyFeatures
How to unlock the power of sponsorships
Sponsorships are a way for brands to enhance brand visibility, foster customer loyalty, and drive sales. However, a lot goes into making the right decision on sponsorships. You must decide whether it’s right for you, what types of events or teams best align with your brand identity and what you…
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