This weekend I went to Earthworks, a small independent florist in Uppingham in Rutland and bought flowers for the bank holiday. I treated my friend with a spectacular hostess gift. I didn’t ask the prices, I went in with the attitude I am having some gorgeous flowers with the express desire to transfer my cash to a small independent business who doesn’t have the marketing pounds to come up first on Google and have everyone flocking to their door. Their gorgeous shop front is their big investment in advertising but with footfall dwindling and supermarket bunches available for much less, customers sacrificing experience for cheaper prices (quality, experience and creative passion and expertise) I am not sure whether beautiful shops like Earthworks will actually survive.

It got me thinking about the internet and how just like big brands swallowing up small ones and everything mushing into one and the same for the consumer, the internet has created a steady stream of traffic and all the money directed to a handful of internet giants, Amazon being the one I can proudly say I do not spend money with. (Except Amazon prime TV subscription which I am actually thinking of cancelling as there is never anything worth watching that I don’t have to pay additional fees for). A monthly subscription to browse product you have to pay for, seems like money for old rope to me. I keep saying let’s just hook up the DVD player. A debate rant for another day.

When I read Russell and Bromley had gone bust, after over 150 years in business, I thought there goes another one. All the shoe shops around the country closing except 3 in London. And the brand name acquired by Next I suspect to increase their online power directing customers to them through another powerful brand name and search.

I did a bit of research to discover as of early 2026, Next Plc has an extensive portfolio, operating as a multi-brand retailer that owns or holds significant stakes in numerous high street and online names. They acquired Russell & Bromley in January 2026, and the company continues to aggressively expand its brand stable.

Next acquired Joules, a well known local fashion brand for us here in Market Harborough out of administration in December 2022 in a £34 million deal. Next owns 74% of the equity, with founder Tom Joule who can often be seen around town owning 26%. Not sure how that’s going as just before Christmas their flag ship store closed and moved to a much smaller site next to the church.

I used to shop in Jojo Maman Bebe, we also have a shop in Market Harborough. I’ve even snooped about them. Next acquired a 44% stake in this maternity and baby retailer in April 2022, partnering with investment firms to save the brand. I used to love this shop and even though they say Next don’t get involved in the running of the business, it has changed over the last 4 years.

The fabulous British shoe retailer Russell & Bromley, Next acquired the heritage footwear brand, including its brand name, intellectual property, and 3 stores (Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater) in January 2026 for £2.5m, plus £1.3m for stock. It’s not a lot of money for the family owned and run business with all that history.

And there are a lot of other Key High Street/Brand Names Owned or Partnered with Next you may be surprised about.

The strategy, apparently, is as I suspected to integrate these brands into their “total platform” for a massive online system, which handles website, warehousing, and logistics.

Sounds like one company to me.

FatFace, yep Reiss (51% stake), Cath Kidston who knew, Made.com (Brand and IP) the beautiful independent handmade furniture store that a few years ago was in the news for raising £10 million and partnering with amazing interior designers to bring British “made” quality back to consumers. It flopped. Seraphine (Maternity) choice of the Princess of Wales no less. Not enough influence to keep them afloat.

And then there’s Lipsy, oh no the Gap UK (Joint venture), I didn’t know about that one and Victoria’s Secret UK (Joint venture) if you’ve bought into those incredible runway shows filled with super models wearing angel wings strutting effortlessly about in their bras and pants. Love and Roses and Friends Like These I haven’t heard of and I don’t shop at Next but if they are brands you love it’s probably good to be aware. Knowledge is power.

My Gran still shops Next, she remembers when it was a breath of fresh air on the High Street, modern designs, beautiful fabrics, British made, gorgeous shop interiors. She still tells me what it used to be like and how saving up and going to Next for something was really something. She remembered Mahogany old fashioned shop fittings and feeling like you were shopping somewhere very special and curated.

I don’t know about you but this description of Next today just feels like a complete fabrication.

I don’t blame Next, they are just a business with shareholders looking for a board to deliver profits, doing their job and growing. It’s what big companies do, buy companies under value when they are trouble to grow and increase market share.

It’s our fault the consumers for mindlessly buying in to poor ethics, bad quality and frankly terrible design.

When one company owns everything and the internet drives everyone there to shop it’s time for us all to wake up and smell the coffee before it’s too late and there’s absolutely nothing left filled with life, creativity and passion.

The UK used to be a renowned centre for manufacturing, heritage, production and craft that attracted people from all over the world. If we are not careful all we’ll see is are high streets full of “Nexts” and then it won’t be any surprise no one wants to walk down them.

If you are searching for beautiful hand tied bouquets or amazing event flowers in Rutland call Lesley at Earthworks on 01572 822276 and get the buzz from supporting independent. Earthworks is open Tuesday–Friday (10:00 am–3:30 pm) and Saturday (9:30 am–3:30 pm)

Thanks for the advice and expertise. My friend was blown away by your flowers.