Next to bring fashion brands into stores
Next is understood to be planning to introduce other fashion brands into its retail stores. The move comes after a 6% slowdown in sales for the first half of 2008.
Recently, Next has made new merchandise available in its Next Directory catalogue, including lines from Nike, Adidas, Levi’s and Lipsy. The Next Directory also carries lingerie from brands such as Ultimo, and accessories including watches from Diesel and Dolce & Gabbana Time, and sunglasses by Ray-Ban and Versace.
Sales for Next’s mail-order business rose by 2% in the first half of the year and it is believed the company sees the entrance of more brands into its stores as an opportunity for growth.
It is thought the company is looking at putting other fashion brands in its retail shops after its e-tail venture, Branded Directory, performed below expectations.
Branded Directory, which stocks over 50 youth brands such as Miss Sixty and Firetrap, and which aimed to compete with Asos and Littlewoods retail websites, was launched in February but after a strong start, sales have dwindled.
