Style Update

Next have release their lates Style Update on their website. I feel that these trends relate well to my chosen bay area of denim, and if Next were to mix other products in the bay to create 'Stories' or outfit building, I think that these would worrk really well :)

-Style update at http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/editorial/may/1/
-Images taken from http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/nextonline?v=app_6009294086&ref=ts (images easier to take from their facebook than from the main website- you'll understand when you visit the website!)








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Next's new TV advertisement

Next have released thier new summer TV campaign :)

Next TV Advert - Summer 2010 (Internet Exclusive)

From: nextshopping | 23 April 2010 | 4,142 views

Shot by Ben Watts, the fashion editors photographer of choice, Next's latest TV advert offers an upbeat celebration of this summers key fashion themes: vibrant colour, floral print and denim revival.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIKVIqhAn6Q

I found this advert on youtube, and was suprised to find that Next have thier own Channel on YouTube for realeasing thier campaigns, including this short video interview with their front model EMANUELA DE PAULA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ6Y2W2ljZk

"Next first quarter sales gwo 4.1%"-Drapers

This news bulletin I received through my email daily news updater to Drapers, yet as I am not a paying subsciber, I could unfortunatly not read the complete article.



I find it interesting that the point is stated that the company must "remain 'cautious' for the year ahead".

"Next's cheif secures £1m bonus"

I found this article about Next while doing my weekly newspaper reading for my fashion narrative newspaper file. I thought it would make interesting reading on my blog....however, I expecct the print to be a bit small, so i will summarise.....




key points:

• Chief exec Simon Wolfson has received a £1m bonus, more than doubling his pay, after a controversial decision to to reset the criteira it uses to award bonuses
• In September 2008, as the economy turned down, Next revamped its executive pay plans, including the criteira for paying bonuses, amid turmoin in the high street. This included abandoning a demanding growth target, as part of a plan to enable retaining staff in the tough economic conditions.

New Venture Further.....

Next have decided to take their e-business to the next level, with an aim to grow their online business internationally.

"According to Catalogue e-business Next is to concentrate on growing its international business with the NextDirect.com website as the core focus. The company will also begin an international marketing campaign, with concepts already being tested in the US."

-The Online Fashion Agency
http://www.theonlinefashionagency.com/business/views-news/03/30/news-international-focus-for-next-asos-co-founder-offers-tips/?utm_source=e-style&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=300310

Next have a separate website for their international online customers, Next Direct, with a focus on promoting Britsh Style. Next already have stores abroad, but this is the next step in becoming a truly international brand.

Revenues at the direct division of British apparel and decor retailer Next rose 7 percent to £873.2 million ($1.30 billion) in the year ended January 2010. Profits for the division are also up from £157.6 million ($234.6 million) last year, to £183.6 million ($273.3 million)—a rise of 16.5 percent. Overall pretax profit at the retailer was up 18 percent to £505 million ($751.5 million).

Next says one of its primary targets for 2010 is growing its international business. The retailer is moving away from overseas store openings to focus on its international website NextDirect.com. Having posted a profit of £800,000 ($1.2 million) via its international website last year, Next has set its sights on generating a profit of £1.4 million ($2.1 million) on sales of £7 million ($10.4 million) in 2010.

This year will also see Next embark on a fully fledged international marketing campaign; it has already started testing concepts in the US.

-Catalogue e-Business
http://catalog-biz.com/news/Next-plans-international-ecommerce-expansion_2129.asp

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New Look New Website....Ideas!!!

Last week New Look launched their new website:

"New Look has thrown down the gauntlet to Asos and Next with a target to become the number one online fashion retailer within three years, after launching a multimillion-pound second-generation website last week."

-Drapers


I took a look at the denim page, my area of focus, and I love how the page is laid out for customers. The jeans are dispayed on models, with a side view. This allows the customer to easily see how the jeans fit and hang, aiding the customers decision process.

The menu on the left of the page allows the customer to easily refine their search by jean type, colour, price and size.


When the customer clicks on an item, they are told everything about that product which they would find on a care label, the fabrix mix, washing guide as well as colours available, alternate views, the price and also "Perfect With" which suggests other products the jeans would look great with for outfit buidling.


All in all........a great improvement for New Look!!

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Marks and Spencer- Competitor

On Wednesday my competitor store Marks and Spencer have, after much anticipation, aired thier new TV ad campaign...



The campaign continues to be fronted by Twiggy, as in previous campaigns, but she is joined by new faces Danii Minogue, Lisa Snowdon, VV Brown and Ana Beatriz Barros.

I love the song- To Be Real by Cheryl Lynn- which as a fan I recognise as feature song from Sex and the City. When I interviewed the Next Southampton Store Manager and asked to describe his target customer, his answer was "the sex and the city kinda gal". Therefore I find the link quite interesting!

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