Retail, NEXT, Continues To Struggle

Next has become the latest retail outlet to record a negative performance admitting that “2017 was the most challenging year we have faced for 25 years.”

The company reported an 8.1% fall in annual pre-tax profits to £726.1 million, while total sales dropped 0.5% to £4.1 billion.

Revenue at its shops slumped while online revenues grew by nearly 10% which helped soften the blow.

  • New Look cut 60 stores putting nearly 1000 jobs at risk
  • Jobs at risk as as Carpetright plans store closures

Chief executive Lord Simon Wolfson said its poor performance was due to “a difficult clothing market coincided with self-inflicted product ranging errors and omissions.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

AI in sterile processing
AI in Sterile Processing Is Proving Its Value by Acting as a Co-Pilot, Not a Replacement
February 5, 2026

Sterile processing departments are dealing with persistent operational pressures. Surgical case volumes are rising, instruments are more complex, and staffing shortages remain across many health systems. Accuracy and documentation requirements continue to tighten, leaving little room for error. In busy hospitals, sterile processing teams may handle 10,000 to 30,000 surgical instruments per day, with…

Read More
IC-SAT100
Meet IC-SAT100, a Satellite PTT Radio Built for the World’s Most Demanding Environments
February 5, 2026

Let’s have a look at Icom’s IC-SAT100, a satellite Push-To-Talk radio designed for moments when ordinary communication just isn’t an option. Powered by the Iridium satellite network, this rugged handheld delivers instant one-to-many communication at the push of a button—no cell towers or ground infrastructure required. Built to thrive in harsh environments, it’s waterproof,…

Read More
IP110H
From Hospitals to Warehouses, the IP110H Keeps Your Team in Sync
February 5, 2026

Icom’s IP110H is a compact, license-free WLAN radio built to keep teams talking—clearly and instantly—over an existing wireless network. Designed for environments like hospitals, hotels, warehouses, and tunnels, it delivers real-time, full-duplex voice using Icom’s advanced IP radio system. From Bluetooth capability to USB-C charging and a sleek, pocket-friendly design, the IP110H feels modern,…

Read More
IP501H
The IP501H Brings Effortless, Wide-Area Communication to Your Team
February 4, 2026

Meet Icom’s IP501H, a cellular two-way radio built for instant wide-area communication over LTE (4G) and 3G networks. It works just like a traditional radio—supporting individual, group, and all-call conversations—without the need for repeaters or a dedicated IP network. With everything included in the box, the IP501H is designed for quick setup and fast…

Read More