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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Apr- 2021 -7 AprilAnalysis
Amazon’s here – so what’s the future for UK supermarkets?
Amazon has set its sights on the UK supermarket sector. From the Amazon Fresh initiative to its partnership with Morrisons, offering free, next day delivery to Prime customers, the arch disruptor is looking to turn the UK multiple market on its head. Free next day delivery for everyday, household essentials…
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1 AprilClothing & Shoes
Next raises guidance despite seeing profits halve
Next has increased its forecasted profits for 2022 by £30m, despite seeing its profit before tax falling 53% year-on-year to £342m for the year ended January 2021. The decline in profits was driven by store closures throughout “a significant portion” of the period, as total group sales dropped 17% to…
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Mar- 2021 -17 MarchClothing & Shoes
Laura Ashley to debut Next collection
Laura Ashley has announced it will launch its spring 2021 collection with Next online and in 48 stores. The group previously launched a partnership with Next after it was rescued by the Gordon Brothers from administration. The collection will feature Laura Ashley’s homeware, alongside an array of new designs with…
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10 MarchNews
Next acquires 25% equity stake in Reiss
Next has announced it has entered into a long-term, strategic partnership with Reiss whereby it will acquire a 25% equity stake in the retailer. The move will enable both retailers to leverage their respective strengths and generate strong future growth at a valuation of £200m, it also aims to combine…
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Feb- 2021 -19 FebruaryProperty
NewRiver JV with Bravo Strategies acquires The Moor
NewRiver has announced its joint venture with Bravo Strategies has exchanged contracts to acquire retail estate The Moor from CEP ASI UKPF Nominee 1 Limited and CEP ASI UKPF Nominee 2 Limited, for a total consideration of £41m. The Moor estate, which is located in Sheffield city centre, is close…
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19 FebruaryGovernment
Sunak to delay review of business rates until autumn
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to reveal that he will delay a final report on the review of business rates until later this year. According to The Financial Times, the delay of the report, which was set to consider the introduction of an online sales tax, comes as the chancellor…
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9 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
M&S bolsters clothing business with senior hires
Marks and Spencer has announced it is strengthening its Clothing and Home leadership team through two new hires, who are both set to “play an important role” in the development of its Never the Same Again programme. The programme, launched last year, is focused on the group becoming “more relevant,…
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Jan- 2021 -27 JanuaryHigh Street
Arcadia collapsed owing creditors £750m
Philip Green’s retail empire, Arcadia, reportedly fell into administration while owing its creditors £750m. The debts, first reported by the Telegraph, largely comprised Topshop’s gross liabilities of over £550m, with Outfit also owing £80m. The figure, which is believed to exclude the group’s unsecured debt to HMRC surrounding its retirement…
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25 JanuaryBusiness Bites
Five retailers who excelled during the Christmas season
Asos Asos has gone from strength to strength in the past few years with this year being no different. Over the peak festive season it saw its sales increase by 23% to £1.32bn from £1.074bn the previous year, which the group claimed was due to support by investors who…
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25 JanuaryM&A
Asos joins the Topshop race
Asos has emerged as a contender to acquire Topshop, just days after highstreet retailer Next was forced to pull out of the race. In an update to the London Stock Exchange, the digital fashion retailer confirmed that it was in “exclusive talks” with Arcadia administrators to purchase the Topshop, Topman,…
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