Does Next Franchise in the UK?

International fashion retail brand Next has over 700 stores across the globe. Over 500 of these are located in the UK, where Next is listed as a FTSE 100 company. The retail giant provides over 43,000 jobs in the UK alone and has a presence on most of the country’s high streets. That being said, Next is increasingly investing in out-of-town retail parks, with home and fashion stores opening in Hedgend and Maidstone in 2014 as well as one in Barnstaple in 2018.

The first Next womenswear store opened in 1982 on Regent’s Street, London. In that year alone, 70 Next stores were opened across in the UK. The famous Next catalogue directory was converted to online in 1999 and launched the retail chain into a new era. Adapting to the demands of the modern market, in 2015, Next introduced next day delivery for orders placed before midnight.

According to Invesp, the UK is now the global leader in the percentage of retail sales taking place online (15.6%). Next is evolving its business model to find its place in this new age of retail, offering online exclusive lines and a ‘Shop my local store’ service which allows customers to browse their local stores from digital devices.

Read more:

• Do H&M franchise?
• What clothing stores franchises can you open?
• Fashion Franchises – What are there?

Recently, the fashion industry has been valued as being worth £32 billion to the UK economy. Globally, UK designers are going from strength to strength, harnessing the reputation of British design. According to a Guardian report in 2018, Next owns 7.1% of that market.

Next Home Franchise

Next does not offer franchise opportunities in the UK. However, it does invite applications to join its international franchisee network. Next has partners operating 185 stores in 38 different countries across Europe and Asia. 16 Next franchise stores have been established in the United Arab Emirates alone. Next are open to franchising with individuals and existing companies with prior retail experience. Franchisees must have a passion for customer service and excellent customer service skills

Next Franchise Cost

Information about international Next franchise costs are not publically disclosed. Next can be contacted directly to discuss start-up capital and projected revenues.

What are the alternatives?

There are number of different clothing franchisors that are a part of the Point Franchise network. Ranging from budget to high-end fashion, there are opportunities available for all markets.

Calzedonia

Calzedonia is an Italian fashion brand specialising in legwear and beachwear. The Calzedonia network boasts over 4,000 outlets across Europe, with stores spanning from the UK to Russia. Calzedonia takes pride in having opened up the previously niche market of lingerie to a mass audience.

To open a Calzedonia franchise, a minimum investment of £50,000 is required. Calzedonia offers an award-winning franchise package that offers full training to all franchisees. An assigned Area District Manager – one assigned to every ten stores – will be at close hand to help with all aspects of operations during your franchise experience. There’s no need to worry about in-house advertising; Calzedonia manages a worldwide promotion platform that is targeted at specific national audiences. Franchise stores have been known to break even within their first year, and medium-sized retail stores can produce a turnover of more than £320,000 within two years.

Calzedonia is under the ownership of the Calzedonia Group, which also manages other labels including Intimissi, Tezenis, Falconeri and and SignorVino. In 2016, the group’s net profits shot up by an astonishing 82 percent in 2016. Calzedonia is its biggest outlet, accounting for €705 million worth of sales in 2016 alone. Looking forward, the Calzedonia Group is looking to expand into US and Chinese markets, with stores already open in New York and Shanghai.

Karen Millan

Karen Millan is a multinational women’s clothing retailer that specialises in tailoring, coats, footwear and eveningwear. The retail brand was born in the UK, with its first store being opened in Maidstone in 1983. Now it has expanded to all corners of the globe. 400 stores are now scattered across 63 countries spread as far as Indonesia and Bahrain. Karen Millan’s designs have been worn by high-profile celebrities including Game of Thrones actor Sophie Turner and The Big Bang Theory’s Mayim Blalik.

Karen Millan seeks to expand its presence worldwide through franchising. Now boasting branches in fashion capitals like Paris, LA and Hong Kong, the fashion retailer has gained an increasingly global outlook in recent years. Being a premium fashion-brand, standard investment for franchisees starts at £350,000. Those that embark on a franchise journey will have the backing of an international standard brand that stocks a highly-reputable clothing line. Franchisees will be shown how to navigate the Karen Millan business model and guided in sales techniques.

The Zip Yard

In 2005, Garment alterations company The Zip Yard identified a gap in the market. Many customers felt alienated from the European sizes employed by High Street chains. So, Zip yard embarked on a business journey that aimed to provide a tailored service to each customer according to their own personal tastes.

The Zip Yard offers a tailoring service for a number of different garments, including shirts and blouses, trousers and jeans, skirts and dresses, and leatherwork and events wear. It is committed to delivering its Express Service, which ensures that minor repairs are completed within one hour.

The Zip Yard is currently looking for franchisees to help expand its network. Minimum investment starts at £38,500, on top of which a franchise fee of £15,000 is added. Training and assistance is offered in return for investment and an experienced shop fitting team will customise your premises into a Zip Yard business. Hardware and software, as well as equipment and furniture, are just some of the perks that are offered by Zip Yard.