The quality of NEXT clothing
17-May-2008
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The quality of NEXT clothing

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Is it just me or has anyone else noticed a deterioration in the quality of clothing on sale in some of the main high street stores?  I used to shop regularly at NEXT, but find that the clothing is now often of such poor quality whilst at high prices, that I am no longer doing so.

Quality clothing, made in China

'Made in China' seems to be on most of the labels and, whilst I having nothing against goods made in China, the 'feel' of the goods tends to indicate quality on the lower end.  NEXT are selling short-sleeved shirts 'from' around £25.00 and more, and they are of such poor quality that I am loathe to part with my money.  In fact, I often go around NEXT stores muttering to myself "What a load of rubbish all this is".  Am I going mad?  Or is this a common reaction?

NEXT relying on past good reputation and brand?

It seems to me that NEXT are relying on their past good reputation and the familiarity with their brand to sell rubbish goods at higher quality prices.  I can go to Tesco and buy a shirt of the same, if not better, quality than in NEXT for around £10.00 and often less.  Also with NEXT, I buy a pair of jeans or trousers for work, and find that the fabric in the seat quickly becomes very thin and holes appear.

I went into Monsoon yesterday to look at the so-called 'sale' in the men's section.  Yet again, 'Made in China' seemed to be the norm, and even at half-price, the shirts on offer seemed to me to be of a very poor quality.  Is it the same with women's clothing I wonder?  Are we being "ripped-off" by retail stores that we once trusted?  Or am I just getting old (at 39) and I need to start doing more shopping in Marks and Spencer and/or the supermarkets?

By: Alaneroberts


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I wouldn't go to Marks & Spencers either for clothes. You may assume that because they are an iconic British store, that they support British manufacture. Not a bit of it. Take a trip to M&S and see the clothes, wallets etc (of which none is cheap) are mostly made in China. It's very sad. My wife and I now try to avoid Chinese made goods, as we are fed up of their dominance, and with cheaply made (although often not cheap to the consumer) and sometimes dangerous goods. J.Norris
*Toojohnny  10-May-2008 22:30

 
I totally agree with your comments about Next. The clothing they now sell should be hanging on rails in Primark , at least then it would be value for money ........
*jules of Brighton  25-Mar-2008 16:13

 
Concerning the origin of clothes, it is crucial that the general public be sensitised to the disastrous consequences of buying cheaply made clothes at mid to high prices. By buying such items, people are perpetuating and worsening the great disparity between the haves and the have nots, further encouraging the economic power of successful enterprises who take advantage of overcheap labour and unethical exploitative practices abroad and the naivety or insouciance of the consumer. It must be remembered that the profits made by companies such as Next and Monsoon are astronomical and they are actually `robbing´ the consumer. Such huge profits are unnecessary and are simply motivated by greed. Good quality products at fair prices produced in ethical ways is still very much possible. The consumer must remember that change is in his/her hands. By not buying, these companies will stop selling and they will be forced to change their ways.
*Jo  22-Mar-2008 07:53

 
Thank you! I live in Washington, DC and I too have become aware of the poor quality of clothing being offered in most fashion department stores, boutiques, and even the higher end department stores. However, here in America, most of the big department stores have been bought out by Federated, and they are now aiming toward a "national" brand. Macy's, head of the octopus, features clothing, shoes, undergarments, and even fur coats....all made in China. Meanwhile, prices have never been higher. Cashmere sweaters claiming to be two-piled show pilling after the 5th or 6th wearing. Shoes being offered for under $200 are made in China, and they are getting closer and closer to what one might find in the "Payless Shoe Stores." I too thought I was going mad at first and I find myself roaming in aisles feeling resentful that I am being asked to spend money on clothes I know will not last for very long, poor quality, and shoddy fabric. The polyester pants and casual clothes that were typically seen on old people in convalescent homes, is now the norm in stores across America. The Made in Italy and Made in Spain shoes once so prevalent here are very hard to find unless you pay $300 and up. I don't even put my clothing articles in the dryer anymore because the threads melt quickly and seams start to come apart. Instead, I hang them on a clothes line to dry. High end names once known for style and quality have also sold out, keeping their tags on the apparel but offering inferior product. It makes me sad to know that my daughter will most likely never be able to say that she bought a good quality and beautiful piece of clothing. Today I'm going to the fabric shop to buy some patterns and good cloth so that I can start making my own clothes. I don't see any other recourse.
*Fawn  08-Mar-2008 12:33

 
Not exactly a fashion icon myself, but about 5 years ago I went into NEXT with with my wife.
She looked at a few of there clothes and her comments were along the lines of "what a load of overpriced poor quality trash" and walked out.

As for the people who have commented about going to Marks & Spencer's. In my opinion, they may sell outdated clothing (assuming you are easily brainwashed by the "This Seasons Must Have Essential Items Experts) but the quality of their clothing is fantastic & always has been.
*Jeff  22-Jan-2008 09:42

 
next I agree the quality has definatley gone down the drain the clothes dont last as long and the material is not up to scratch
*al  25-Dec-2007 17:01

 
I agree 100% used to buy all my clothes in Next but I have had to return jumpers as they stretch after 1 wash. In comparision I bought a jumper in Peacocks for £8, 3 washes still like new, the one from next for £20 is ready for charity shop! They have lost it big time.
*ase  03-Nov-2007 18:11

 
what city in china are your clothews made in? its for my homework HA LOL
*eve  19-Sep-2007 18:56

 
Is is just me or is there anybody else out there who receives e-mails from Next with free home delivery promotional codes?

Last week I tried to place on online order using this code (which incidentally is F0701 if you want to try it)but unusually there was no box to enter it into - its usually on the 'Sign In' Page but for some reason it wasn't available. When I rang Next Customer Services I was forcefully and repeatedly told, in typical robotic fashion, that Next NEVER send out advertisements, promotional codes etc via e-mail only post - the inference being I had fabricated this information to obtain free home delivery!!!!

I have checked the address on the bottom of these e-mails and they come from Head Office so seem perfectly legitimate?
*Debbie  12-Sep-2007 21:58

 
I would have to agree that the quality of NEXT clothing as deteriorated over the last few years. I find that skirts don't have linings anymore, the trousers once made of wool are now polyester mix. I no longer shop there, and cannot believe how much its changed.
*Ju  02-Sep-2007 21:44

 
Never buy from the big high street shops myself and personally avoid Next anyway. Didn't the yuppies in the 80's always shop there?
*Ken  14-Aug-2007 11:30

 
Believe me, I always shop around ;)

And if I had my blinkers on Freddie, I wouldn't be able to see the clothes.

Don't take life so seriously people. It's only clothes.
*Bargain Hunter  09-Aug-2007 14:47


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