A Fascinating History of Next

In 1864, J. Hepworth & Sons was founded as a distinguished gentlemen’s tailor in Leeds, England. Fast forward to 1981, when Hepworth made a strategic move by acquiring the Kendalls Rainwear chain, transforming it into what we now know as the innovative women’s clothing retailer, Next. The journey began in February 1982 with the opening of the first Next store. Remarkably, by November of the same year, the brand had expanded to 70 locations across the UK, capturing the hearts of shoppers nationwide. In 1984, NEXT further solidified its position in the market by launching a men’s department at its flagship store on Regent Street in London. By 1986, the company underwent a pivotal rebranding, officially becoming Next PLC, a name synonymous with quality and style. The year 2002 marked another milestone as Next boldly ventured into the Irish market, continuing its trajectory of growth and success.