Next Boosts Profit Guidance and Acquires Seraphine

Deal News | Jul 31, 2025 | Home of Direct Commerce

UK retailer Next has announced a positive trading update for the thirteen weeks ending 26 July, reporting a 10.5% increase in full-price sales compared to the previous year. The sales were 6.5% ahead of the company's original guidance, a boost attributed to favorable weather and disruptions at competitor Marks & Spencer. The company's international sales also performed better than expected, bolstered by its effective digital marketing strategies. As a result of the robust sales figures, Next has increased its full-year profit before tax guidance by £25m, bringing the total expected profit to £1,105m. In addition to this financial update, Next has acquired the maternity wear brand Seraphine for £600,000 after Seraphine fell into administration due to challenging trading conditions.

Sectors

Retail
Fashion

Geography

United Kingdom – Next is a UK-based retailer, and the article discusses its performance and strategic moves within the UK market.

Industry

Retail – The article focuses on Next, a significant player in the retail industry, discussing its sales performance and strategic acquisitions.
Fashion – The acquisition of Seraphine, a maternity wear brand, highlights Next's involvement in the fashion sector.

Financials

49M – The increase in full-price sales compared to last year in the thirteen weeks to 26 July.
6.5% – The percentage increase in sales ahead of Next's original guidance.
25M – The increase in Next's full-year profit before tax guidance.
1,105M – The new guidance for profit before tax in the full year.
600,000 – The amount paid by Next to acquire Seraphine.

Participants

Name	Role	Type	Description
Next	Acquirer	Company	A UK retailer that has raised its profit guidance and acquired Seraphine.
Seraphine	Target Company	Company	A maternity wear brand that recently went into administration.
Marks & Spencer	Competitor	Company	A major competitor to Next, which experienced trading disruptions.