What Companies Does NEXT Own?

Next plc (styled as NEXT) is a British multinational clothing, footwear, and home products retailer. With around 700 stores globally, including approximately 500 in the United Kingdom and 200 across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Next is the largest clothing retailer in the UK. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Next boasts a diverse portfolio of brands and subsidiaries, making it a powerful player in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Next plc is a British multinational retailer with a strong presence in the clothing, footwear, and home products market.
• The company operates around 700 stores globally, with a significant number in the UK.
• Next is the owner of well-known brands like Victoria’s Secret UK, Gap UK, Joules, and Cath Kidston.
• Next’s portfolio includes over 43,000 employees and subsidiaries like Next Holdings Limited.
• The company’s diverse holdings and acquisitions have contributed to its growth and market dominance.

History and Expansion

Next plc, previously known as Joseph Hepworth & Son, has a rich history that dates back to 1864. Over the years, the company has experienced significant growth through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, expanding its business portfolio and global reach. In 1981, Next made a crucial move by acquiring womenswear retailer Kendall & Sons, paving the way for the launch of its own chain of stores under the name Next.

The expansion didn’t stop there. Next diversified its offerings by introducing menswear and later incorporating Next interiors into its stores, catering to the growing demand for home products. The company’s expansion extended beyond the UK, with the opening of stores in countries like Ukraine and Germany. These international ventures allowed Next to tap into new markets and establish a global presence.

Acquisitions and Partnerships

Throughout its history, Next has strategically acquired companies to strengthen its position in the retail industry. Some notable acquisitions include Combined English Stores, Grattan, and Lipsy. These acquisitions have provided Next with a broader customer base, enhanced product offerings, and increased market share.

In recent years, Next has continued its expansion through partnerships with renowned brands. The acquisition of Made.com, a leading online furniture retailer, has bolstered Next’s presence in the home furnishings market. Additionally, the acquisition of Cath Kidston, a British lifestyle brand, has further diversified Next’s brand portfolio and enhanced its appeal to a wider range of customers.

Year	Acquisition
1981	Acquired Kendall & Sons
Year	Acquisition
1992	Acquired Combined English Stores
2000	Acquired Grattan
2010	Acquired Lipsy
2021	Acquired Made.com and Cath Kidston

Brands and Subsidiaries

Next plc owns a diverse range of brands and subsidiaries, contributing to its strong business portfolio. These brands operate as separate entities under the Next umbrella, each with its unique offerings and target market. Here are some notable brands owned by Next:

Victoria’s Secret UK

Victoria’s Secret UK is a well-known lingerie retailer that operates under Next’s ownership. With its stylish and fashionable lingerie collections, Victoria’s Secret UK caters to a wide range of customers, offering premium quality and luxurious designs.

Gap UK

Gap UK, another brand owned by Next, is a popular clothing retailer known for its casual and comfortable apparel. Gap UK offers a wide selection of clothing for men, women, and children, focusing on modern and timeless designs that appeal to a diverse customer base.

Joules

Joules is a British clothing brand that offers a range of stylish and contemporary fashion for the whole family. Known for its vibrant prints and high-quality materials, Joules has gained a loyal customer base and continues to thrive under Next’s ownership.

Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston is a renowned lifestyle brand specializing in vintage-inspired home furnishings, accessories, and apparel. With its iconic floral patterns and unique designs, Cath Kidston appeals to customers who appreciate classic and nostalgic aesthetics. Next’s ownership has further strengthened Cath Kidston’s market presence and expansion opportunities.

Brand	Specialty
Victoria’s Secret UK	Lingerie
Gap UK	Casual Clothing
Joules	Fashion
Cath Kidston	Lifestyle

These are just a few examples of the brands owned by Next. The company’s diverse portfolio allows it to cater to a wide range of customer preferences and stay at the forefront of the retail industry.

NEXT’s Retail and Real Estate Holdings

Next plc has established a strong presence in the retail sector with its extensive network of stores. In the United Kingdom alone, the company operates over 500 retail stores under the brand name Next Retail. These stores offer a wide range of clothing, footwear, and home products, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of customers.

Next’s global reach extends beyond the UK, with more than 200 stores operating internationally under the name Next International. These stores are strategically located across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, serving customers in various regions with Next’s high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

Efficient supply chain management is crucial for Next’s retail operations, and the company owns distribution centers and warehouses to ensure seamless logistics. These distribution centers play a vital role in the timely delivery of products to Next’s retail stores, ensuring that customers can always find the items they desire.

In addition to its retail endeavors, Next plc also boasts a substantial real estate portfolio. With approximately 3 million square feet of trading space in the UK, Next owns a range of properties including high street shops, out-of-town stores, and warehouses. This diverse real estate portfolio allows Next to optimize its retail operations and effectively serve its customers across the country.