Next targets fashion shoppers with gardening goods in Homebase link-up

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Apr 12, 2021

Next is on the next phase of its bid to become the complete lifestyle retailer. The UK fashion and homewares giant has announced a tie-up that sees DIY chain Homebase adding mini garden centres to its stores.
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The partnership, called Garden by Homebase at Next, will see shoppers able to pick up gardening goods alongside buying clothing items from today (12 April) in Next’s Shoreham, Ipswich, Warrington, Camberley, Bristol and Sheffield stores.

Homebase said it aims to offer customers access to expert gardening advice, plants, pots and tools, alongside Next’s range of clothing and homeware.

Damian McGloughlin, chief executive of Homebase, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Next and bringing our garden products and expertise to its stores. It’s all part of our wider commitment to make shopping with us easier and provide even more inspiration and expert advice.

“We’re a great nation of gardeners, with more and more people enjoying the benefits of gardening and being outside. The launch of these new garden centres means we’re able to offer more gardeners, both experienced and those just starting out, Homebase products in more locations across the country.”

It's yet to be seen if the scheme will take off and if the venture will be rolled out to further larger-format Next stores. However, In last week’s positive financial statement, Next noted that the diversity of its product offer “has proved an invaluable asset during the pandemic” so tie-ups like the one with Homebase can only enhance the retailer’s pulling power and help continue its good run.  

Last week, Next reported its business is relatively strong having come through the pandemic better than most of its peers.

Although pre-tax profit that was down by more than half for its latest year and sales fell in double-digits, the year ended January 2021 saw sales falling ‘only’ around 17% to just over £3.6 billion, while pre-tax profit dropped to £342 million from £729 million and net profit was down 51% to £290.6 million.