In a continuation of Next’s ambitions to grow its retail operations and follows the recent acquisition of Victoria’s Secret UK business.
Laura Ashley was a brand exceptionally hard hit by the Coronavirus pandemic and the brand went into administration in March which led to the closure of the brands 70 stores. This new partnership will see Next stock Laura Ashley homeware products and prints in its UK stores as well as on Next’s website. The partnership will also see the launch of a flagship store in Westfield Shopping Centre as well as a number of Laura Ashley-branded standalone stores across the UK.
Lord Wolfson, Chief Executive at Next commented: “We believe the combination of the design vision of the Laura Ashley team alongside Next’s online and retail infrastructure can combine to revitalise this world-class brand.”
Poppy Marshall-Lawton, Head of Brand and Partnerships at Laura Ashley, commented: “Laura Ashley herself was always inspired by the past but excited about the future, so getting the chance to reinvigorate the brand is a perfect next chapter in our already fabulous story.”
