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Our history

1864	J Hepworth & Son, Gentleman's Tailors was established in Leeds.
1981	Hepworth bought the chain of Kendalls rainwear shops to develop a womenswear group of shops called Next.
1982	The first Next womenswear store was opened on 12th February. There were 70 shops by the end of July.
1984	Launch of Next for Men in August. By December there were 52 shops. The first mini department store in Edinburgh opened incorporating womenswear, menswear, shoes and a café.
1985	Launch of Next Interiors range of soft furnishings for the home in August. First department store with womenswear, menswear and interiors opened in Regent Street, London.
1986	Parent company, J Hepworth & Son changed its name to Next plc. Acquisition of Grattan plc (mail order company).
1987	Launch of Next childrenswear.
1988	Launch of Next Directory in January. David Jones appointed Chief Executive of Next plc.
1990	Lord Wolfson of Sunningdale became Chairman of Next plc.
1991	Sale of Grattan to Otto Versand.
1993	Next announces brand strategy of "One Brand Two Ways of Shopping", bringing together the common ranges across both retail and home shopping formats.
1994	Next now trading from 300 stores in 16 countries worldwide.
1995	Successful relaunch of Next for the Home.
1998	Sir Brian Pitman appointed as Chairman.
1999	Launch of shopping on the internet from the Next Directory at www.next.co.uk.
2000	Next day delivery introduced as standard for orders placed before 5pm with the Next Directory.
2001	Several new larger stores opened. Launch of www.nextflowers.co.uk. Simon Wolfson appointed Chief Executive.
2002	Internet speed disk introduced in March. David Jones appointed Chairman.
2003	Next opens new larger format stores in Nottingham, Birmingham, Dudley and Newcastle Gateshead together with a large Home store at Glasgow Braehead.
2004	Next opens first Scandinavian store in Denmark offering menswear, womenswear and childrenswear.
2005	Next Home launches Wedding List Service.
2006	John Barton appointed Chairman. Launch of www.nextelectric.co.uk.
2007	Next celebrates its silver jubilee.

Archive collection

The Next archive contains original clothing and marketing material from the first collection in 1982 through to the present day. The collection is cared for by Leicestershire County Council Environment and Heritage Service and can be seen by appointment.

Displays and exhibitions in the Fashion Gallery at Snibston Discovery Park, Coalville, Leicestershire often feature garments from the collection; for further details of these or to make an appointment to view the archive, call Philip Warren, Keeper of Cultural Life on 01509 815514 or get in contact via pwarren@leics.gov.uk.