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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May- 2025 -14 MayFeatures
A Lidl bit more: Why is Lidl investing in expansion?
On 28 April Lidl announced that it is going to invest £500m in store expansion, aiming to open more than 40 stores in the process. The budget supermarket has been rapidly gaining market share in the UK hitting a record 8.1% in May 2024, according to data from Kantar. With…
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8 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-8/5/25
Next has increased its full-year profit guidance to £1.08bn, up £14m, following an 11.4% rise in Q1 full-price sales, outperforming its 6.5% forecast. The retailer attributed the £55m sales boost to warmer spring weather but cautioned that some demand may have been pulled forward from Q2. While retail sales surged,…
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8 MayDepartment Stores
Next ups profit guidance as Q1 sales rise by 11.4%
Next has upped its full-year profit guidance as it welcomed “better than expected” sales in the first quarter, with full price sales up by 11.4% as trade was boosted by the warmer spring weather. The “overperformance” meant sales were £55m higher than its forecast for the period, with the group…
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Apr- 2025 -24 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-24/4/25
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reviewing the Low Value Import scheme, which allows goods under £135 to enter the UK tariff-free, amid concerns over Chinese companies flooding the market with cheap products. Major retailers like Next, Currys, and Sainsbury’s have warned that such imports could undercut UK businesses. The potential reform…
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24 AprilClothing & Shoes
Mori unveils first-ever acquisition with Kidly deal
Baby clothing brand Mori has made its first-ever acquisition with the purchase of UK-based children’s retail brand Kidly, for an undisclosed sum. Founded as a curated marketplace for modern families, Kidly has become known for its own-label range, Kidly Label, particularly its jelly shoes, which have sold over 250,000 units…
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24 AprilGovernment
Chancellor mulls ending tariff-free import scheme to combat Chinese dumping
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering ending the Low Value Import scheme, which currently allows online retailers to bring goods worth up to £135 into the country without paying customs duties. The move comes as the UK prepares for an influx of Chinese companies dumping stock for cheap as a result…
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3 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-3/4/25
The Co-op has reported a sixfold surge in full-year pre-tax profits, rising to £161m from £28m the previous year, despite facing over £200m in new headwinds and investment costs. This growth was driven by increased operating profits, which climbed by £34m to £131m, alongside improved returns from Funeralcare plan investments.…
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3 AprilPeople Moves
Sainsbury’s appoints two non-exec directors to board
Sainsbury has today (3 April) announced that Katie Bickerstaffe and Steve Hare will join the board as non-executive directors following the AGM on 3 July 2025. Bickerstaffe will be a member of the corporate responsibility and sustainability committee and the nomination and governance committee and Hare will join the audit…
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2 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-2/4/25
Topps Tiles reported a 4% rise in half-year sales to £127.7m, with underlying growth accelerating to 4.4% in Q2. Trade sales surged 12%, supported by an 11% increase in active traders. However, the retailer warned that National Living Wage and National Insurance hikes will add £4m to annual costs from…
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Mar- 2025 -27 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-27/3/25
Next has reported record pre-tax profits of £1bn for the year to January 2025, marking a 10.1% increase, and has raised its full-year profit guidance by £20m to £1.06bn. The retailer attributed its strong performance to acquisitions like Reiss and FatFace, with total group sales rising 8.2% to £6.3bn. Online…
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