Fashion retailer Next is enjoying a surge in sales following disruption at competitor Marks & Spencer caused by a cyber-attack.
The incident, which affected M&S’s online operations, appears to have encouraged more customers to turn to Next, strengthening the brand’s market position through autumn 2025.
Next is forecasting a pre-tax profit of just over £1.1bn for the financial year ending January 2026, cementing its status as one of the high street’s strongest performers.
The company’s ability to seamlessly handle demand and maintain its digital platforms underscores its preparedness in an environment where cyber-security concerns have become critical for retailers.
The gains made by Next highlight the vulnerability of retail sector competitors to digital disruption, with cyber-attacks proving costly in customer confidence and financial results.
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Speaking with BBC, Kate Hardcastle, a consumer expert at Insight with Passion, said: “We’re getting a sense that this is a brand that is hitting all the marks when it comes to the customer… it doesn’t mean we’ll see that play out for every retailer.”
As retail competition intensifies, companies are likely to invest further in cybersecurity measures to protect both their reputations and revenue streams.
