It wasn't until recently that I really began to shop in Next. Before, it was always a kind of 'last resort' kind of place for me especially if I couldn't find something I was looking for in all my usual shops (New Look, Dorothy Perkins). However, lately I have been going to Next as a bit of a first choice.

Next always have lots of nice clothes; ones which really stand out and are just classy looking whilst at the same time being fashionable. I would say that Next clothes are in the 'smart-casual' category. Every single item of clothing is smart and there is certainly nothing cheap about the place.

Next have a great range of clothes and I can always find something suitable to wear to a formal event which is great. I also think that they have an excellent 'work wear' range - very professional looking and smart. Actually I have to praise Next on their work wear as I don't know a shop like it who sells such a great selection of work wear clothes (and such a wide range too).

There are 2 Next stores in the nearest town with a Next.. There is one in the shopping centre and one out of town. The one in the shopping centre is quite small and seems to feature more 'work clothes'. I think this is what put me off shopping at Next because I always thought that it looked 'too office-y' when I was younger. However, when I went to the out of town one I was amazed at how many beautiful clothes they actually have. My point being, don't be put off Next just because of one store. Over the past year, having worked in an office, Next has been invaluable to me with all it's smart work wear.

The clothes in Next can be quite pricey - not super expensive like Monsoon, but expensive to student like me. You can easily spend around £30 on a pair of 'smart casual trousers'. Sometimes though, I may be in the changing room trying on a top and I'll look at the price tag and be surprised that the top is only around £11 which is great. Although the clothes are always of excellent quality and I have never had any problems.

Next also have a 'men's section' and a children's section, as well as a home ware section which whilst I personally have never used them, I have heard excellent things about them. I would definitely consider using Next for the 'home items' when get my own place.

Next also have their own catalogue which is called The Next Directory. I have never used this as I always think that I can look online. Also you have to buy the catalogue (last time I looked it was around £3.50 which I think is a bit annoying - I don't know of anywhere else where you have to buy the catalogue.

Next also have their own range of beauty items such as various perfumes and lotions etc which are great. A small-ish bottle of one of the perfumes can you set you back around £6-£7 which I think is great value for money and they make great gifts. Next also have a few other 'gifts' which are good.

I especially like Next at Christmas when they have loads of fluffy slippers and cute pyjama set. They also have some great 'gifts' which come out at Christmas.

Next also have 'gift cards' which are like gift vouchers. Everybody I know likes Next and have been really pleased when I have given them Next Vouchers which is great.

Staff are always pleasant and helpful which is nice. There is always a lovely, pleasant and quiet a 'luxury' atmosphere in Next which I like.

I would definitely recommend Next. It is great for work-wear and for smart casual clothes.

Thanks for reading!
June 2012
Xdonzx / xd-o-n-z-x