Next plc NEWS AND COMPANY PROFILE
NEXT plc is a British multinational retailer offering clothing, footwear, and home products. The company operates through three main channels: NEXT Retail, a chain of over… View Article
Next plc NEWS
MORE ABOUT Next plc
NEXT plc is a British multinational retailer offering clothing, footwear, and home products. The company operates through three main channels: NEXT Retail, a chain of over 500 stores in the UK and Ireland; NEXT Directory, a home shopping catalogue and online service with over 4 million active customers; and NEXT International, with around 200 stores and concessions globally.
NEXT has evolved significantly since its early days as J Hepworth & Son, a tailor shop established in 1864. By 1982, the company made a bold move into retail with the opening of its first NEXT womenswear store, marking the beginning of its transformation into a leading fashion brand. Milestones such as acquiring Reiss, Fatface, and Joules have helped cement NEXT’s position as a dominant player in the retail industry, while its Total Platform (TP) initiative in 2020 revolutionised e-commerce for its partners.
NEXT also embraced major partnerships, such as becoming the official supplier for the London 2012 Olympics and extending its home shopping service internationally. Today, NEXT continues to innovate and expand, with significant acquisitions like Lipsy, Fabled by Marie Claire, and the intellectual properties of brands like Cath Kidston and Made.com, securing its legacy as a modern retail giant.
Company Essentials
- Founded: 1982
- Headquarters: Enderby, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- Industry: Clothing, Footwear, and Home Products Retail
Main Products and Services
Main Products and Services
- Men's, women's, and children's clothing
- Footwear
- Home furnishings
- Beauty products
Stores
Number of Stores Worldwide: around 700 stores, of which circa 500 are in the United Kingdom, and circa 200 across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Financials
As of April 2025, NEXT plc continues to demonstrate a strong financial performance. For the fiscal year ending January 2025, the company reported total group sales exceeding £5.4 billion, reflecting an 11.4% year-on-year increase. Underlying profit before tax reached £870 million, up 5.7%, and underlying earnings per share rose by 8% to 573.4p .
In terms of shareholder returns, NEXT has maintained a consistent dividend policy. The most recent interim dividend of 75.0p per share was paid on 3 January 2025, following a final dividend of 141.0p per share on 1 August 2024 .
The company also continues its share buyback programme, repurchasing 3.8 million shares during the 2024/25 financial year.
Corporate Social Responsibility & Company Culture
NEXT’s Corporate Responsibility Report to January 2025 outlines the retailer’s continued commitment to ethical, environmental, and social progress across its operations. Key focus areas include protecting workers in its global supply chain through extensive auditing, grievance mechanisms, and training—reaching over 2,400 audits with 95% unannounced. NEXT advanced its climate strategy with a 47% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions (from a 2016/17 baseline), and achieved 96% renewable electricity use across global operations. Its responsible sourcing programme now sources 50% of polyester and 73% of cotton from certified or recycled routes, while efforts in circularity include garment repair services and resale of pre-loved items.
Internally, NEXT promotes employee wellbeing and diversity through events, training, and inclusion surveys. The company also supported 244 charities and invested £2.8 million in community initiatives. These actions align with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Retail Awards & Recognition
In 2009, NEXT was named British High Street Retailer of the Year.
