NEXT

LAUNCHED in 1982 by retailing giant George Davies. Now has 700 stores worldwide.

FAMOUS FACES: Good Morning Britain presenter Susannah Reid (right) is a fan. The Voice presenter Emma Willis recently launched a 30-piece ‘size inclusive’ collection.

FINANCIAL HEALTH: After a festive boom, with sales up 1.5 per cent, it last week reported full-year profits of £722 million, in line with predictions. However, share prices fell at the news, suggesting that investors had hoped for better.

EXPERTS SAY: ‘Next is a big player,’ says retail adviser Richard Hyman. ‘You could accuse it of being predictable and bland, but the flipside is reliability and consistency.’

BESTSELLING ITEM: Red off-theshoulder dress, £36.

FORECAST: With more than half its revenue from online sales, website investment is priority.