Is NEXT the new C&A?

[purplepeony]

NEXT used to be good about 20 years back- quality knitwear amongst other htings.

For several years now it's been going downhll- recently I walked in and could not wait to get out. Reminded me of the old C&A- wall to wall polyester, garish T shirts, and boring office suits and jeans. Doubt if there was a natural fibre in the entire store - apart from the jeans.

I used to luuuurve C&A, my Mum would take me over to Wood Green just so I could go there

I'm not a huge Next fan, I find their stuff very overpriced for what it is - especially their homeware. But then I feel like that about most shops at the moment - and can't really afford to shop in the stores that are better quality. Am buying a bit here and a bit there when I can - mostly from outlet villages or in the department store sales.

I still like the Next linen trousers. But went in there feeling a bit down one day (when I would have bought anything that took my fancy) and only managed to find one top that I liked.

When I was 14-18ish (approx 1993-1997) I used to love their jumpers, and always bought the matching socks too.

I think Chelsea Girl was Topshop and the Topman eqivalemy was called...wait for it...Concept Man

Of course I would have been terribly young so may have that wrong

Or was it River Island?

Ha ha, there's a Next advert flashing on this page now Do you think they're trying to change our minds?

Chelsea Girl became River Island in the late eighties I think.
The Topshop bit I liked was 'Coppernob'.
I liked the 'kiss and make up ' range at Miss Selfridge!

I have never "got" Next tbh. It's odd though, sometimes I can walk into the children's bit and want to buy dd everything and other times it's "my eyes my eyes".

The only thing I will shout on the rooftops about are their maternity trousers. Bought one pair, wore them every day for last 2 mths and first month post-birth. Only item of "maternity" I ever bought. Fantastic.

I loved Miss Selfrides....they were the first people (first time around- am ancient) to make leggings with lycra and for people taller than 5ft 2 (am also giantess)

CakeyWakey, my mum took me to C&A in Wood Green too. We'd also go in Marks & Spencer and then have tea somewhere and I thought it was so posh.

Ah Bambino, those were the days [smiles]

Next is much maligned on MN that is for sure!

Well, I'd rather pay £30 for a pair of trousers than £60, so if I have to say Next or Boden, on my budget I'm going to say Next.

I am giving myself a pat on the back now because I have a good eye, and I do get good stuff from Next and nobody ever knows it's from Next.

Saying that, I wouldn't want to advertise any shop, even a supposedly more upmarket one.

Next need a major re-vamp. It is so dowdy these days. They have so much to gain and so little to lose. Used to love their kids clothes for DD but since she turned 5 she should apparently dress like a chav tart.

Gave up on the adult stuff ages ago. Just makes you feel old and boring.

It's been crap for many years, I don't know how it keeps going- don't know anyone who shops there for adult clothes. I'm not much of a fan of the kids stuff either.

I reckon it's the out of town stores that keep them going, the ones in the massive retail parks. There's one near me and it's the only clothes shop for miles so everyone goes there.

Went in today and it was unbelievably shite.
All their trousers have enormous arse and thigh areas, even the size 8 and 10s. Their tops are all made of polyester and are either a) covered in sequins and glitter, b) have bizarre shirt bits sewn in or c) have appliqued nonesense hanging off them. Their jewellery falls apart after a week or two.

And C&A was much better than Next. I still have some Clockhouse stuff!

Hate the stuff in Next these days, particularly that tunicy top with the bright flowers on it that absolutely everyone wears and nobody suits. I took it to be a sign of my advanced age that I don't like the clothes any more rather than general downhill decline of shop.

Agree Next has gone down hill nothing in the new preview directory took my fancy- but in their defence their size 10 petite trousers fit me perfectly - I used to love Chelsea Girl and Miss Selfridge- even had the lip pint dressing gown

Next is truly horrible and to be honest always has been, I believe.

I don't think that there is a natural fabric to be found in the confines.

Somebody must be buying there though.

Thought that their new advertising campaign was really weak also.

Aah but where is actually good quality and reasonably priced? I can think of none of the hight street shops that are of good quality...

American Apparel?

Haven't got one here...!

The dcs have some non-logoed, non-mini tart/mugger clothes from Next - imo they can still be a good source of children's clothes for the under 5s. I also possess a Next knitted tank and a pair of well-fitted black trews but 10+ years ago my wardrobe was full of their stuff.

Think my tastes and demand for quality has changed & Next have not moved with the times.

Have a look online - I mean it's just basics in cotton - but the material is super and wears so well, so although more expensive than other cotton - it does look better for longer, eg leggings without baggy knees etc.

Also some pretty funky stuff!

I've totally got stuck in the Next rut I buy the clothes simply for ease but never actually feel good in them. Where should I be going?

Next is hit and miss....sometimes i walk round thinking WTF??? othertimes they have some nice stuff.

Baby stuff is lovely but 'older' girls is not good - the ages range is just too big and i don't want my 4/5 yrs old looking like a teenager or tart!

Still can't get the 'primark' thing either. I've never bought a thing as i think the stuff looks soooooooooo cheap...don't get the rave reviews about the place...unless our store stocks the wrong lines??

lostthewill, limited collection is good imo. I admit to occasionally buying next stuff! but not everything. The ODD thing, once a season I'd say.

Wallis again is good for the odd thing. H&M, Oasis for jeans. Debenhams is good because they have lots under one roof plus john rocha and matthew williamson and red herring lines.

The thing about getting stuck in a rut at Next though is that the worst you're going to look is 'uninspired' and conventional. There are worse looks imo - cheap, chaotic, scruffy, mutton, tarty....