I’m a shopping expert – three items to always buy at Next and two to avoid
NEXT shoppers looking to pick up the best deals should keep their eyes peeled for certain products.
The retailer has been a staple on our high street for decades, so shoppers may think they already know all the tips and tricks.
But award-winning personal stylist Chantelle Znideric says shoppers can bag the best bargains if they’re strategic about what they buy.
With more than 15 years experience as a personal stylist and shopper, Chantelle says she knows the best items for shoppers to purchase, and those to avoid.
Chantelle said: “Next has been one of those national treasures we expect to see as a permanent fixture on the British high street and it’s still a go-to store for many.
“The famous Next January sale is still ever popular – but knowing what to pick up at other times during the year, might not be so clear.”
Below, are three things you should always buy at Next, and the ones to buy elsewhere.
High street brands
Next doesn’t just sell its own clothing range, it also sells brands like Ted, Baker, Reiss, Whistles and Mint Velvet.
If you find something you like from one of these retailers, it can be worth checking the Next website to see if the item has been discounted.
For example, we found a Mango sequin black dress reduced from £90 to £45 on the Next website.
Chantelle says it’s also worth checking the Next website if your favourite brand isn’t stocking something in your size.
She said: “If you love something from another brand and it has sold out in your size, the likelihood of Next stocking it is very high.
“For sold out items, it’s my go-to one-stop destination.”
Homeware
“I’m a huge fan of interiors, as well as fashion and I love to browse Next for quality furniture pieces”, Chantelle said.
Next has a big homeware section that shoppers often rush to when the sale is on.
You can find items for up to 70% off depending on the time of year, just like clothing sales.
And there are also a few pieces and brands you might not find elsewhere if you’re looking for something a bit more unique.
Chantelle said: “Some of my favourite interior brands I can recommend, which you can find online, are French Connection and Swoon.
“Both feature in my home and always favourites on my décor wish list.”
It’s important to note though, that these brands can be pretty pricey, with a French Connection rug costing around £125 from Next.
But if you’re willing to pay a little more, you’re often rewarded with something that’s better quality.
In any case, you should only buy something if you need it.
School shoes
Before you know it, it will be time to buy school uniform again for next year.
Kitting out your kids can cost a small fortune, but Chantelle says Next is the best place to pick up kids school shoes.
She said: “When my girls were younger, I used to buy their school shoes from Next and they were brilliant.
“Most styles offer standard or wide fittings, hardwearing leather, a memory foam base, and at the time, they were prettier and more stylish than other shoe shops.”
At the moment, you can pick up a pair of older girls’ school shoes from Lipsy at Next for just £12.
Items to avoid
While shoppers are often spoiled for choice when they pop into a Next store, not everything is worth your money.
Chantelle said you should always try shoes on before you buy, especially at Next as they aren’t always the most comfortable.
She said: “Uncomfortable footwear has always been a bug bear of mine. If shoes aren’t comfy to wear straight away, then it’s best to avoid them.
“When I’ve tried or felt the leather shoes in Next, they haven’t seemed soft to the touch or particularly comfortable.
“Sadly, tough leather or stiff manmade materials and hard soles don’t make for comfy shoes in my eyes.
Of course, whether you want to spend on something will depend on your personal taste so it’s always worth checking it out before you opt not to buy.
If you buy petite clothing, Chantelle says that you might struggle to find your size at Next.
“Petite ranges are still quite hard to come by, especially in store,” she said.
“More brands do stock petite ranges now but a lot of them are only available online, which can be frustrating.”
Meanwhile, we spoke to award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot about the things you should be buying at Primark, and those to avoid.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk