UK’s biggest clothes chains
6.3%
It’s still one of the giants of the high street and the place to go if you want to pick up a budget buy without going online.
Despite the rise of online fashion, it is still unbeatable if you’re counting the pennies, according to Verdict Retail’s analysis.
It has also expanded its beauty and homeware choices.
Its sales are mainly being boosted by new store openings.
Owner AB Foods recently issued a statement admitting it had been a “challenging year for clothing retailers”.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Primark still doesn’t offer online shopping. There was a limited trial choice on Asos in 2013, but it was short-lived.
“They are still doing reasonably well, but while the sterling years aren’t necessarily behind them, the rapid growth has tailed off.
“They still have a big presence and are targeting their market pretty effectively.” – Leigh Sparks
7.4%
The Next sale is still an event for many shoppers.
There are plenty of hardy shopaholics who choose to queue from 5am on the first morning of the sale in order to bag the best bargains.
Leigh Sparks believes that you could argue Next has been a victim of its own success.
When it first made it big, it hit the likes of M&S and it was considered an innovator.
The problem is others have jumped on its bandwagon, which in turn has reduced its star power.
Websites like ASOS have copied what it does and simply given shoppers less reason to be loyal to its previous favourite.
“Winners in the clothing market this year have been retailers such as Zara and Ted Baker, who have remained in the minds of shoppers because of their distinctive choices and reactive business models – areas Next lags in.” – Verdict Retail