NEXT is a British multinational clothing, footwear, and home products retailer that has a rich history

spanning over three decades. The company was founded in 1982 as J Hepworth & Son, a menswear
retailer, and was later renamed NEXT in 1986. The company's first NEXT branch was opened in the
United Kingdom in 1982, and by 1986, it had 70 stores across the UK.

Throughout the 1990s, NEXT continued to expand its operations by introducing its homeware
collection, NEXT Directory, and launching its first international store in Ireland in 1994. The company
also acquired the Grattan and Freemans brands during this time, further solidifying its presence in
the home products market.

In the early 2000s, NEXT continued to grow its retail footprint, opening stores across Europe, Asia,
and the Middle East. The company also launched its online store, NEXT Online, in 1999, making it
one of the first high street retailers to offer online shopping.

Today, NEXT is a leading British high street retailer with over 500 stores in the UK and Ireland and
more than 200 stores internationally. The company's product offerings have expanded to include
womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home products, and furniture. NEXT has also embraced
sustainability, with a commitment to sourcing sustainable materials, reducing waste, and promoting
ethical practices.

Overall, NEXT's history is characterized by a commitment to innovation, expansion, and customer

NEXT is a British multinational retailer that specializes in clothing, footwear, and home products. The
company offers a wide range of products that cater to men, women, and children. NEXT's clothing
lines include everything from formal wear to casual wear, while its footwear range includes a variety
of styles, from sneakers to formal shoes.

In addition to its clothing and footwear offerings, NEXT has a strong presence in the home products
market. The company's homeware collection includes furniture, bedding, home decor, and kitchen
and dining products. NEXT's furniture range includes sofas, beds, tables, and chairs, while its home
decor offerings feature rugs, curtains, and lighting fixtures.

One of NEXT's most popular products is its online catalogue, the NEXT Directory. The Directory is an
online store that allows customers to shop for products from the comfort of their own home. The
directory features all of NEXT's product offerings, and customers can shop by category or search for
specific products.

In recent years, NEXT has also made a commitment to sustainability, with a range of sustainable
products that are made from eco-friendly materials. The company's sustainable product offerings
include clothing made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and sustainable viscose, as well as
home products made from sustainable materials.

Overall, NEXT's product offerings are diverse, stylish, and high-quality, making it a go-to destination
for customers in search of fashionable and functional clothing, footwear, and home products.

NEXT, like many large companies, has had its share of scandals over the years. One of the most
notable scandals involving the company was the 2018 revelation that it had failed to pay workers the
minimum wage. The company was found to have underpaid thousands of its workers, resulting in a
total of £22.4m in back pay.

The underpayment issue affected workers who were employed on the company's shop floor and in
its warehouses, and it was found to have been ongoing for several years. Following the revelation,
NEXT agreed to pay the back wages owed to its workers and to improve its payroll processes to
ensure that such underpayments would not occur again.

Another controversy involving NEXT came to light in 2020 when it was revealed that the company
had not signed the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, a legally binding agreement
designed to improve safety conditions for workers in the country's garment industry. The company
was criticized for not signing the accord, which had been signed by many other major fashion
retailers.

Overall, while NEXT has faced some controversy and scandal over the years, it has taken steps to
rectify its mistakes and to improve its practices. The company's commitment to sustainability and
ethical practices in recent years suggests that it is taking these issues seriously and striving to be a
responsible corporate citizen.

NEXT's strategy is centered around offering customers a wide range of high-quality products at
competitive prices, while also maintaining a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The
company has achieved this through a combination of expanding its product offerings, investing in its
online presence, and improving its sustainability practices.

One of the key components of NEXT's strategy is its focus on e-commerce. The company has
invested heavily in its online platform, with a user-friendly website and mobile app that allows
customers to shop for products easily and conveniently. NEXT has also introduced a number of
digital innovations, such as augmented reality features and a virtual shopping assistant, to enhance
the online shopping experience.

In terms of competitors, NEXT faces strong competition from other high street retailers such as
Marks & Spencer, Zara, and H&M. However, the company's focus on quality and sustainability has
helped it to differentiate itself from its rivals and to attract a loyal customer base. NEXT has also
expanded into the home products market, giving it a unique advantage over its fashion-focused
competitors.

In recent years, NEXT has also faced increased competition from online retailers such as Amazon and
ASOS. However, the company's strong e-commerce presence and commitment to sustainability have
helped it to maintain its position as a leading high street retailer.

Overall, NEXT's strategy of offering high-quality products, investing in e-commerce, and promoting
sustainability has helped it to stand out in a competitive retail landscape and to maintain a strong
position in the market.

3. Investing in a company involves a variety of factors, including the company's financial

According to financial reports, NEXT has shown consistent revenue growth in recent years, with a
reported revenue of £4.4 billion in the financial year 2021. The company has also demonstrated a
strong profitability with a net profit of £342 million in the same period. Furthermore, NEXT has a
strong return on investment with a return on equity of 29.6% and a return on assets of 12.2%.

However, past performance is not a guarantee of future success, and investing always involves a
certain level of risk. It is important to conduct thorough research and analysis, taking into
consideration various factors such as market conditions and company strategy, before making any
investment decisions. It is always advisable to consult with a financial advisor or do your own
research to make informed investment decisions.

NEXT is a publicly traded company and therefore makes its financial information publicly available.
Here is a summary of the company's financial performance over the last five fiscal years (FY):

FY 2021: Revenue of £4.4 billion, profit before tax of £342 million, basic earnings per share of
303.5p, and a total dividend of 225p per share.

FY 2020: Revenue of £4.3 billion, profit before tax of £728 million, basic earnings per share of
632.1p, and a total dividend of 110p per share.

FY 2019: Revenue of £4.2 billion, profit before tax of £722 million, basic earnings per share of
452.8p, and a total dividend of 165p per share.
FY 2018: Revenue of £4.1 billion, profit before tax of £726 million, basic earnings per share of
427.7p, and a total dividend of 158p per share.

FY 2017: Revenue of £4.1 billion, profit before tax of £790 million, basic earnings per share of
426.6p, and a total dividend of 158p per share.

It's worth noting that NEXT's financial performance has been impacted by various external factors,
such as changes in consumer behavior, economic conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonetheless, NEXT has demonstrated a consistent level of revenue growth and profitability in recent
years, and it has continued to invest in areas such as e-commerce and sustainability to drive long-
term growth.