Next (retailer)
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Next PLC is a British clothes retailer, with its headquarters in Enderby, Leicestershire, England. It is one of the United Kingdom's largest clothing retailers, number three behind Marks & Spencer and Philip Green's retail empire of BhS and Arcadia Group. The group has over 400 stores throughout the UK and Ireland, and 50 franchise branches in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. These are located at a mixture of high streets, shopping centres and retail parks.
Next was founded in 1982 when J Hepworth & Son, a tailor in Leeds, developed a womenswear chain of shops called NEXT. Two years later, a men's shop was developed. Later Next began to develop mini department stores selling women's, men's and children's clothes as well as furniture under the one roof. In 1986 Next purchased the catalogue company Grattan, which was later sold to Otto Versand in 1991 when Next encountered financial problems. These were due to a recession occuring at the time, and some branches were sold to other retailers to avoid administration. Stand alone furniture shops called NEXT Home were opened in 2003. Next also sells around 21% of its merchandise through the Next Directory, a home shopping catalogue launched in 1988. All Next stores only sell their own brand label. Currently the largest branch of Next is the branch in the Manchester Arndale Centre that opened in October 2005. There are also a number of stores owned by Next known as Next Clearance which sell previous seasons stock at lower price then at the core Next stores.
In the year to January 2005 Next's turnover was £2,858.5 million. Profits were £422.9 million before tax and £301.0 million after tax.[link]
Next Sales
Next discount sales are very popular events usually occuring four times a year, two at the end of seasons and two mid-season. In-store preparation for the sales start the night before, and it has been known for staff to work until 3-4 am in the morning getting the shop ready. Likewise queuing for the sales starts early with people arriving at times as early as 3.30 am to wait for the store to open at 5 am. Sales involve most of the store staff and extra temporary staff are usually hired as well to cope with demand.Official Website
External links
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